Close-contact surveys and mass-screening studies for leprosy in Turkey

Abstract

Beginning in 1984, the Department of Dermatology at Istanbul University Medical School and the Department of Public Health of Uludag University Medical School embarked on: a, close contact surveys; and b, mass-screening studies in the Province of Van in Turkey. Methodology and results are described in detail. The total number of cases in the whole country is unlikely to exceed 4300 and leprosy cannot be considered to be a serious public health problem. However there is room for improvement, notably in compliance to prescribed medication, the reduction of disability rates and the better use of general health units.