First NT leprosy outbreak for three years

A rare disease associated with the old testament is back in the Territory after a three-year break. Here’s what we know.

The Northern Territory has recorded its first case of leprosy in three years.

NT Health said on Thursday it had confirmed a case of leprosy in northeast Arnhem Land.

It is the first leprosy case recorded in the Territory this year.

A Department of Health spokesman said the outbreak was the first in the Territory since 2021 and the condition was becoming increasingly rare.

Since the 1970s, leprosy case numbers have dramatically decreased, with less than one case confirmed per year on average since 2000 in the NT.

Sister Mary Vincent And Girls At East Arm Leprosarium.

The spokesman said leprosy was becoming less common around the world due to effective treatment and screening programs which have reduced the transmission of infection.

Leprosy was relatively common in the Northern Territory compared to elsewhere in Australia during the 1960s and 1970s, with the Territory’s East Arm leprosarium only closing its doors in 1982.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler said leprosy and other conditions remote communities such as rheumatic heart disease and scabies were a direct result of poor housing.

“It relates to overcrowding in the Northern Territory,” Ms Lawler said. “The NT’s had many cases of leprosy over the years.

“All of the things we see in the Territory like rheumatic heart disease, scabies, leprosy, all the things nobody wants in the Northern Territory, but they are a reality of the population we have in the Northern Territory.

“The government will continue to address that particularly through overcrowding, but also around health promotion and education as well.”

The Department of Health said there was “fear and misunderstanding” about leprosy because of its capacity to cause disabilities “however it is not very contagious and it is easily treatable with antibiotics”.

“Leprosy is curable and treatment provided in the early stages prevents or minimises permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes.”

Leprosy can be treated with a combination of antibiotics over a period ranging from six months to two years.

Originally published as First NT leprosy outbreak for three years