Epidemiological situation of leprosy in Spain, 2015-2024

Abstract

Introduction: Leprosy is a chronic, infectious, neglected tropical disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae or M. lepromatosis. In Spain, it is a notifiable disease. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of reported cases between 2015 and 2024.

Method: Retrospective descriptive study of leprosy cases reported to the National Epidemiological Surveillance Network (RENAVE) from 2015 to 2024. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were analyzed, as well as the temporal and geographical distribution of cases.

Results: Between 2015 and 2024, 97 cases of leprosy were reported (47 in men and 50 in women), with a median age of 38 years. The trend over time was relatively stable, with a peak in 2022. Most cases were imported (n=86), primarily from Brazil and Paraguay. Differences were observed by country of birth: cases born in Spain were older and predominantly female. In the last two years, the reported cases were imported and originated in another country.

Conclusions: The number of reported cases has remained relatively stable, with a peak in 2022, likely related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surveillance systems. Most cases were imported and/or foreign-born, with sociodemographic differences identified based on country of origin. Despite improvements in the overall control of this disease, it remains crucial that healthcare professionals maintain a high level of clinical suspicion, along with adequate training and awareness, in patients from countries where the disease remains endemic.