Cockroaches do not cause Leprosy-health officer

A community Health Nurse at the Reproductive and Child Health Unit of the Ministry of Health at Apam, Mrs. Helena Appiah Korankyi Amekah has advised people with symptoms of leprosy to seek early medical treatment, which is free. He urged Ghanaians to dispel believes that the disease is a taboo or that it is caused by cockroaches. Mrs Amekah said these at a public lecture on leprosy, held at the St. Joseph Catholic Church at Apam on Sunday. She said leprosy is a chronic infection disease, which is curable, and advised people with skin problems to seek early examination and treatment. Mrs. Amekah said leprosy is an airborne disease, which could lead to blindness, impotence, sterility, chronic ulcers and the amputation of the fingers and toes of the affected person. The Gomoa District Leprosy Control Officer, Mr. Stephen Koompah said his outfit has intensified its educational campaign towards the eradication of the disease in the area.