Abstract: Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of relapsed leprosy cases in Wenshan Prefecture and provide evidence for the prevention and control of leprosy relapse. Methods: Data of relapsed leprosy cases in Wenshan Prefecture from 2011 to 2024 were extracted from the National Leprosy Prevention and Control Management Information System (LEPMIS). Definitions of relapse, clinical cure, grade 2 disability, and average delay period were adopted in accordance with national health industry standards. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 software, and spatial distribution maps were drawn with ArcGIS 10.8.Results: A total of 38 relapsed cases (accounting for 7.05% of all leprosy patients) were reported from 2011 to 2024, and 37 cases were finally included in the analysis. The male-to-female ratio of the 37 relapsed cases was 3.62∶1. Patients aged 55 years and above accounted for 32.43%, with a mean age of 48.38 years. The cases were predominantly, farmers (100%), and those with primary school education (54.06%). The cases were mainly distributed in Yanshan and Qiubei counties. Most relapses occurred after multi-drug therapy (MDT, 72.97%). The average delay in diagnosis of relapse was 7.37 months. Self-reporting was the main method at the relapse stage (37.84%). The proportion of multibacillary leprosy was 78.38% at the relapse stage. All relapse cases had skin lesions, 48.65% had neuritis, 18.92% had type I leprosy reaction, 16.22% had type II leprosy reaction, and 8.11% had both type I and type II leprosy reactions. 12 cases (32.43%) had grade 2 disability, and 81.08% of the cases were positive for Mycobacterium leprae, with an average bacillary index of 2.4, 54.05% of the relapsed patients had a bacillary index of ≥ 3.0. Conclusion: Leprosy recurrence in Wenshan Prefecture presents obvious regional and population aggregation, often accompanied by leprosy reactions and a high disability rate. It is necessary to strengthen long-term follow-up and standardized management in high-risk areas and among cured patients.

Key words: leprosy, relapse, analysis