Acta Leprol. 1990 ; 7(3): 213-20.

[Endemic leprosy in the People's Republic of Congo. An epidemiological and behavioral analysis]

Louis JP, Trebucq A, Hengy C, Coddy-Zitsamele R, Eozenou P, Baya-Tsika N, Obvala D, Jannin J, Gelas H, Cottenot F.

The authors report the results of a national prevalence survey of leprosy made in 1989 in Popular Republic of Congo. Leprosy is essentially found in rural areas and frequently causes disabilities. The prevalence rate is 5.8 +/- 2.6% among people more than 15 years of age, and 10.5% of all forms are multibacillary. All patients are under DDS monotherapy. One overwhelming risk factor is leprosy cases in the family history; active case-finding and surveillance of contact cases are recommended. Generally, leprosy is poorly understood by the general population; an educational effort is necessary.