A Case of Lepromatous Leprosy in Oregon

The cases of leprosy occur rarely in North America and a health care professional may not readily consider a diagnosis of leprosy. We encountered a 23-year-old female with hypopigmented macules and painful nodules along with peripheral neuropathy in Oregon, who had immigrated from Micronesia. A skin biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of leprosy. Patient developed a type 2 reaction, Erythema nodosum leprosum, upon initiation of the multidrug therapy. It is vital to recognize the signs and symptoms of leprosy and associated reactions so the patient can be treated appropriately to prevent debilitating and stigmatizing neurocutaneous and systemic illness.