Origin of new leprosy cases during general surveys in relation to previous survey findings

As part of the leprosy control activities in the area of Gudiyatham Thaluk, general surveys are done once every three to five years. The percentage of examination is about 90%. An analysis of all new cases registered for treatment between 1990-94 was done to study whether these cases had been examined in the previous general survey. Of the new cases detected and registered, 566 cases (32.6%) were not examined during the previous survey. The significance of these findings in relationship to cost-effectiveness of general surveys, case-detection methodology and possible continuing of transmission of leprosy are discussed.