As many as 286 new persons have been identified as leprosy-hit during 2016-17. The figure is reported to be the highest in last five years causing concern for the district administration.
The Health Department sources said that prevalent rate of 72 new patients in lakhanpur block is the highest. Similarly, the figure is 47 in Jharsuguda municipality, 53 in Belpahar, 16 in Brajrajnagar, 29 in Rajpur CHC area, 33 in laikera and 13 in Kirmira block of the district.
Statistics said that during 2006-07, the lowest 130 patients were identified in the district.
Due to lack of public awareness and not taking medicines regularly, new patients are increasing day by day. However, the State Government is taking a special drive from April 1 this year for prevention of the disease.
In spite of free supply of medicines by the Government, the disease is increasing due to lack of education about the cause of disease.