Fact sheets
The Department of Health, Western Australia, does not produce fact sheets on this topic.
Public Health action
Notifiable disease data and reports
Additional information
Case definition
Only confirmed cases should be notified.
Confirmed case
A confirmed case requires laboratory definitive evidence AND clinical evidence.
Laboratory definitive evidence
1. Demonstration of characteristic acid fast bacilli in split skin smears and biopsies prepared from the ear lobe or other relevant sites
OR
2. Histopathological report from skin or nerve biopsy compatible with leprosy (Hansen's disease) examined by an anatomical pathologist or specialist microbiologist experienced in leprosy diagnosis.
Clinical evidence
1. Compatible nerve conduction studies
OR
2. Peripheral nerve enlargement
OR
3. Loss of neurological function not attributable to trauma or other disease process
OR
4. Hypopigmented or reddish skin lesions with definite loss of sensation.
Note:International reporting to the World Health Organization (WHO) is based on the WHO working definition:
A person showing one or more of the following features, and who as yet has to complete a full course of treatment:
- Hypopigmented or reddish skin lesions with definite loss of sensation
- Involvement of the peripheral nerves, as demonstrated by definite thickening with loss of sensation
- Skin smear positive for acid-fast bacilli definition
The difference in surveillance case definitions should be noted when reporting to the WHO.
