Leprosy Cases Detected in Croatia and Romania (December 2025)

In December 2025, cases of leprosy (Hansen’s disease) were reported in Croatia and Romania. The cases reported in both countries have been closely monitored by health authorities due to their occurrence in regions that had not seen local cases for many years. Official statements from competent institutions indicated that the number of cases was limited, epidemiological follow-up procedures had been initiated, and the risk of community-wide transmission was low.

In December 2025, a case of leprosy was reported in Croatia. This case is classified as an imported case; it was detected in a worker of Nepalese origin. The patient has been living in Croatia with their family for approximately two years. Antibiotic treatment was initiated following diagnosis and the patient’s condition has been described as stable. Close contacts have been placed under medical surveillance. Croatian authorities have described this as the first case of leprosy in the country in over 30 years. Health experts have emphasized that leprosy is difficult to transmit and poses a low risk to public health.

Romania had not reported a local case of leprosy for more than 40 years since 1981. In November and December 2025, clinical symptoms resembling leprosy were observed in four women working at a spa salon in Cluj-Napoca. Two of these cases were confirmed while the other two were considered suspected. The confirmed cases were identified in two Indonesian masseuses aged 21 and 25. Health authorities implemented epidemiological measures including temporary closure of the spa and monitoring of individuals who had contact with the patients.

Romania’s Ministry of Health and affiliated units implemented measures following the detection of cases including the temporary closure of the spa, monitoring of contacts, reinforcement of hygiene protocols, and continuation of clinical assessments. Health officials emphasized that leprosy requires prolonged and close contact for transmission and stated that the risk of spread within the general population is low.

Transmission of leprosy requires prolonged and close contact. Brief social interactions contact in shared spaces or general daily interactions do not significantly contribute to the spread of the disease. This epidemiological feature has also been highlighted by authorities in the most recent cases in Europe.

In modern medicine leprosy is a treatable disease with antibiotics. Once appropriate antibiotic treatment is initiated the risk of infection typically declines rapidly. In both countries patients have received treatment and contacts have been monitored to prevent further transmission.

The cases reported in Croatia and Romania in 2025 have been recorded as clear indications that leprosy has reappeared in Europe. These cases do not alter the structural reality that the disease is not widespread in the region; their occurrence is linked to travel to endemic areas and histories of prolonged contact. Public health authorities have stated that these cases do not indicate the potential for a widespread outbreak.