As in many Polynesian islands, Leprosy has been a
significant health threat in the past. Approximately 30 islanders with
results of Leprosy remain today, however there are no active cases on
Easter Island. Leprosy has aparently never been a problem in
continental Chile.
Leprosy patient seen at Hangaroa Hospital on 4-27-98 at around 1400.
Dr. David
Holk, Ophthalmologist from Wilford Hall Medical Center, performs an
enucleation of a leprous patient whose eyes have been affected as a
result of neurological damage.
