Patterns and trends of leprosy in Mexico: 1989-2009

Data from the Mexican national leprosy control programme 1989-2009 are described and analysed. After initial increases associated with the introduction of MDT and the start of the global elimination initiative in the early 1990 s, both prevalence and incidence declined dramatically throughout most of the country. Reported prevalence fell below 1 per 10000 in 1994 and has remained below that level ever since. There is considerable geographic heterogeneity, with highest case detection rates in western states bordering the Pacific and lowest in the south east. Reasons for these geographic differences are unclear. There is evidence of increases in average age of cases, and in proportions male and MB, as in several other populations with declining leprosy. There is some evidence of increasing leprosy in states bordering on Texas, USA, where M. leprae is known to be harboured in armadillos. The relevance of armadillos for leprosy in Mexico is unclear but a priority question.