A Brazilian man working in Ireland, has been diagnosed with the first case of leprosy seen in years, after complaining to his doctor of shooting pains and an itchy rash.
Doctors were at first confused by the 37-year-old's symptoms. But the man believed he was suffering from a recurrence of leprosy he'd possibly contracted in Brazil, 10 years ago.
Doctors in Ireland have said it was a case that "one might have expected to encounter in the Middle Ages – not in a busy surgery in County Meath."
Leprosy has a long incubation period – up to seven years – and on reviewing the diagnosis, the doctors decided it needed to be investigated further and referred him to the infectious diseases unit of St James's Hospital..
"The risk of contagion in new cases is small. However global eradication in recent years has proven difficult," Dr.Conner Gallagher wrote in a medical magazine.
He cited drug resistance, a poor understanding of the disease and persistent social stigma in developing countries as contributory factors to this.
"As we open ourselves to global travellers, we can expect to see more global health complaints," say Dr. Gallagher and co-author Katie McFaul, a specialist in infectious diseases wrote for the Irish GPs' magazine, Forum.
The authors said it is believed that about 95% of people have a natural immunity to leprosy.
Dr Gallagher told the Irish Independent that the condition does not pose a public health risk in a country like Ireland, and there is no threat to other people.
"It is very treatable," he added.
Symptoms can take as long as 20 years to appear. Leprosy is curable and treatment provided in the early stages averts disability.
World Health Organization figures show around 219,000 new cases were reported in 2011, with the highest prevalence in countries such as India and Brazil.
Leprosy was common in Dublin in medieval times and in the 14th Century a leper hospital was built near St Stephen's Green. It was later moved out to the Dublin mountains – the area where it was sited became known as Leopardstown.
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