Fly me, I'm tropical.

Leprosy, malaria and jigger fleas are all in a week's work for London's Hospital for Tropical Diseases. But some fear that the internal market could bring its 170-year history to a close, reports Annabelle May.

[Foster homes in Costa Rica. An alternative in the closure of leprosaria]. / Hogares sustitutos en Costa Rica. Una alternativa en el cierre de las leproserías.

The actual knowledge about leprosy and its therapy determines it to be regarded and treated as any other disease. Leprosaria, dedicated to segregation and isolation the patient are not needed anymore. Accordingly, the only leprosarium that existed in Costa Rica, the "Sanatorio Nacional de las Mercedes", was closed on March 30, 1979. We are providing a historical account of the stages in the struggle against leprosy leading to the closure of the Sanatorio, as well as the main reasons supporting the inadequacy of having such an institution. We explain the meaning and advantages of the foster homes, where the last 30 remaining patients were replaced, thus facilitating the closure of the Sanatorio. Finally, three years later, we discuss the most significant results concerning the Hansen's disease control in Costa Rica.

Continuing treatment for Hansen's disease patients after closure or transfer of PHS facilities: Public Health Service, Final rule.

This final rule amends Part 32 of 42 CFR to provide for continuity of care at PHS expense for Hansen's disease patients being treated at PHS hospitals and clinics which will be closed ro transferred pursuant to section 987 of the Omnibus Budget.