22.12.2025 09:11
The emergence of leprosy cases in Romania and Croatia has raised concerns. The detection of the disease, which had not been seen in Romania for 44 years, in two masseuses working at a spa has alarmed health authorities, prompting investigations in the region.
The Romanian Ministry of Health announced that two cases of leprosy were detected in two masseuses working at a spa in the city of Cluj, located in the northwest of the country.
Authorities stated that the two individuals, aged 21 and 25, are Indonesian citizens and that their treatments have been initiated. It was also reported that the testing process for leprosy suspicion is ongoing for two other individuals.
WARNING TO CITIZENS FROM THE MINISTER OF HEALTH
Health Minister Alexandru Rogobete indicated that there is no cause for concern for citizens visiting the spa, emphasizing that leprosy requires prolonged and close contact for transmission.
According to the information shared by Minister Rogobete, it was learned that one of the patients had recently traveled to Asia and stayed with his mother for about a month. It was stated that his mother is also receiving treatment in the hospital for the same disease.
SPA CLOSED
Following the incident, it was announced that the spa in question has been temporarily closed and a comprehensive investigation has been initiated. The Romanian Ministry of Health reminded that the last case of leprosy in the country was seen 44 years ago.
Meanwhile, it was reported that a singular case of leprosy was also detected in the city of Split, Croatia, and that the patient has been placed under treatment while preventive treatment has been administered to close contacts. Health officials emphasized that the risk of spread in the general community is extremely low.
CAN BE TREATED WITH EARLY DIAGNOSIS
According to the World Health Organization, leprosy can present symptoms such as skin lesions, loss of sensation, and nerve damage, and can be completely treated with early diagnosis.