[Leprosy epidemiology in Daoukro health district (Côte d'Ivoire) from 1999 to 2017].

Introduction: Leprosy is a real problem in the Daoukro health district despite the actions of the National programme for elimination.

Objective: To describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of new leprosy cases in the Daoukro health district from 1999 to 2017.

Method: Descriptive survey including leprosy patients admitted to the dermato-leprology department from 1999 to 2017.

Results: From 1999 to 2017, the incidence of leprosy fluctuated from 4.4 to 0 per 100,000 with a peak of 14.2 in 2003. In 2016 and 2017 no cases of leprosy were reported. The mean age was 36.8 years (SD=20). A majority of cases were uneducated and living in rural areas. Females and children under 15 years of age accounted for 53% and 16% of cases respectively. Clinically, cutaneous signs were predominant in the patients. The multibacillary form accounted for 82%. Nearly 1 out of 4 patients had a grade 2 disability (24%). All patients received treatment (multidrug therapy). Among them, 83.8% were cured, while 0.5% were not cured. In addition, regarding 29 patients (15.7%) details of how their disease progressed were not available. Among the patients declared cured, 26% had sequels.

Conclusion: Leprosy control activities must be strengthened in order to maintain the achievements in this non-endemic district.