Epidemiology of Leprosy (Hansen Disease) in Washington State, 2001-2023.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Since 2000, leprosy has not been notifiable in Washington State, and statewide leprosy data have not been reported. We sought to increase our understanding of leprosy epidemiology in Washington State since 2001.

Methods

We reviewed data from the National Hansen's Disease Program to identify clinically diagnosed leprosy cases from 2001 through 2023 among Washington State residents. We analyzed cases over time, by county of residence, disease type, and global birth region. We used Poisson regression to estimate rates by birth region and incidence rate ratios to compare rates among US-born residents and those from other global birth regions.

Results

We identified 131 cases of leprosy in Washington State from 2001 through 2023. Most cases were among non-US-born

SUBMITTER: Bennett JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12665585 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature