Leprosy treatment: Teresina remains an endemic area for the disease Teresina recorded 193 new cases of leprosy in 2025 and remains on alert for the disease in 2026. The infection, which affects the skin and nerves, can cause consequences when not treated in time. Treatment is free through the Unified Health System (SUS), and early diagnosis is essential to avoid complications. ⚠️Leprosy is an infectious disease that mainly affects the skin and nerves. The most common symptoms are light or reddish spots, accompanied by loss or decreased sensitivity to heat, cold, pain and touch. In more serious cases, nerves can be compromised, which can cause permanent physical limitations. ✅ Follow the g1 Piauí channel on WhatsApp The main symptoms include light or reddish spots on the skin, as well as numbness and reduced sensitivity to heat, touch and pain. In some cases, the first sign is not stains, but burns or injuries that the person does not notice. In an interview with TV Clube, the coordinator of the Maria Imaculada Center, Stephanie Maria, highlighted that the delay in seeking care is still one of the main problems. "It is a disease that leaves consequences if the diagnosis is late. So, it is important to say that the presence of spots or loss of sensitivity in some region of the body can be signs of leprosy", he stated. Treatment Treatment lasts from six months to a year, depending on the stage of the disease. When started early, the chance of healing without sequelae increases. “The earlier the treatment, the greater the chance of being cured without any consequences of the disease”, explained Stephanie Maria. During this period, the patient receives free medication and monitoring at Basic Health Units (UBS). At the end of treatment, it can be considered cured. In more serious cases, the patient may need physical therapy and occupational therapy to regain movement and avoid physical limitations. Transmission Leprosy is transmitted through the respiratory tract, mainly in close and prolonged contact with people who have not yet started treatment. The risk is greater among people who live in the same environment, such as family members. Rapid contacts, in general, do not transmit the disease. "This loss of sensitivity in the hands, feet, cramps, numbness, could also be leprosy. So, it is important to seek the health unit", reinforced the coordinator. After starting treatment, the patient stops transmitting the disease. Piauí has the fifth highest rate of the disease in the country In January this year, Piauí ranked fifth in the national ranking of leprosy cases, according to the Leprosy Epidemiological Bulletin 2025. The state is considered to have a high incidence of the disease. Experts say that late diagnosis is one of the main factors for this scenario, as many patients only discover the disease in advanced stages. The recommendation is to seek a health unit when you notice any symptoms. The diagnosis is simple, and treatment is available on the public network. Leprosy: see the importance of early diagnosis and how to treat it Reproduction *Gabriely Corrêa, intern under the supervision of Lucas Marreiros. VIDEOS: watch Rede Clube’s most viewed videos