Abstract

MERKL A, F. Lepra, algunas relaciones socioeconómicas en Venezuela. RFM [online]. 2004, vol.27, n.2, pp.151-156. ISSN 0798-0469.

Venezuela reached the leprosy elimination criterion (rates lower than 1 case per 10.000 inhabitants) in 1997 at the national level, nevertheless there are areas where the rates remain elevated. In order to calculate prevalence, in every state of the country, in addition to the informed cases in the Information System of the Leprosy Program, we include an estimation of undetected cases, based on the proportion of patients with delayed diagnosis (occult prevalence). We examine the geographic distribution of leprosy, relationship with some socioeconomic characteristics and operational aspects of the Leprosy Control Program.

Keywords : Leprosy elimination; Disability grade; Total prevalence; Geographical distribution; Endemic region; Insufficient treatment; Ecological association.