Romania confirms first leprosy cases since 1981, marking the return of a disease not officially recorded in the country for more than four decades. Health authorities have confirmed two cases of Hansen’s disease and are currently investigating two additional suspected infections, according to official statements cited by Romania Insider.
The confirmed cases involve two women from Indonesia, aged 21 and 25, who were employed as masseuses at a spa salon in Cluj-Napoca, a major city in north-western Romania. The situation came to medical attention on November 26, when both women sought treatment for unusual skin lesions that had failed to heal.
Laboratory testing carried out by Romanian health authorities confirmed the presence of Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium responsible for leprosy. One of the cases was diagnosed following a skin biopsy that revealed acid-fast bacilli, a key indicator of the disease. Additional tests ruled out tuberculosis and supported a definitive diagnosis of Hansen’s disease.
Corina Criste, head of the Cluj Public Health Directorate, confirmed to Agerpres that the second case had also been fully verified through laboratory analysis. Both patients have since begun treatment using specialized antibiotic therapy recommended by the World Health Organization.
Health officials emphasized that once treatment starts, the risk of transmission drops sharply, making early detection critical in preventing further spread.
Minister of Health Alexandru Rogobete confirmed that two other employees from the same spa salon are currently under medical monitoring. One of the women had recently returned from Asia, where her mother, who is also infected with leprosy, remains hospitalized.
As a precautionary measure, the spa salon in Cluj-Napoca has been temporarily closed. Authorities ordered ozone disinfection of the premises, enhanced sanitation protocols, and mandatory health screenings for all staff members.
Public health teams are also conducting workplace inspections and expanding epidemiological surveillance to identify any potential contacts who may require testing.
Health authorities have reassured the public that the overall risk to the general population remains low. Leprosy is known to spread slowly and typically requires prolonged, close contact with an untreated individual. It does not spread through casual interactions such as handshakes, shared surfaces, or brief social contact.
Romania’s Health Ministry has requested technical support from the World Health Organization and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The goal is to review diagnostic procedures, confirm treatment protocols, and ensure alignment with international public health standards.
The last confirmed case of leprosy in Romania was reported in 1981. Once feared for its high transmission rates and social stigma, the disease is now considered fully treatable when detected early. Modern antibiotic therapy can cure patients and prevent long-term complications.
According to World Health Organization data, leprosy remains present in more than 100 countries worldwide, with an estimated 200,000 new cases reported annually. Most cases are concentrated in parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Romanian health officials continue to stress vigilance rather than alarm, noting that the country’s public health infrastructure is well equipped to manage isolated cases and prevent wider transmission.
