Abstract: Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of leprosy in Shaanxi Province from 1998 to 2018, and to provide theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of leprosy. Methods: The data of leprosy in Shaanxi Province from 1998 to 2018 were collected through the information system of leprosy management information system in China (LEPMIS), and the detection rate, prevalence rate and basic situation of leprosy cases were descriptive analyzed. Results: From 1998 to 2018, 477 new cases of leprosy were diagnosed , with an annual average detection rate of 0.070/100000, and an average annual prevalence of 0.305/100000. The mean age of cases was 46.71 years old. The ratio of men to women was 2.46:1. 399 cases (83.6%) were Multibacillary type (MB). 148 had grade II disability, the disability rate was (31.03%). The mean delay period of new cases was 62.01 months. Conclusion: The new leprosy cases in Shaanxi Province are still characterized by high disability ratio, long delay period and advanced age.The monitoring of leprosy should be further strengthened to reduce the transmission and occurrence of disability.

Key words: leprosy, epidemiological characteristics, Shaanxi