Romania has confirmed its first leprosy cases in 44 years, raising concerns about the resurgence of ancient diseases through unchecked migration patterns that prioritize global mobility over public health screening.
Story Highlights
- Two Indonesian migrant workers at Cluj-Napoca spa confirmed with leprosy, first cases since 1981
- Spa immediately shut down as health officials investigate two additional suspected cases among Asian employees
- One patient recently returned from Asia where her mother is hospitalized with the same disease
- Incident highlights gaps in health screening for migrant workers from disease-endemic regions
First Cases in Four Decades Shock Romanian Officials
Romanian health authorities confirmed two cases of leprosy among Indonesian masseuses working at a Cluj-Napoca spa, marking the country’s first documented cases since 1981. The women, ages 21 and 25, sought medical treatment at Cluj County Hospital on November 26, 2025, after developing symptoms consistent with Hansen’s disease. Health Minister Alexandru Rogobete announced the confirmations in early December, emphasizing the rarity of the ancient bacterial infection in modern Europe.
Two additional Asian female employees at the same spa facility remain under clinical and microbiological evaluation for suspected leprosy symptoms. The spa has been suspended from operations pending a thorough epidemiological investigation and disinfection process. All four women have begun WHO-recommended antibiotic treatment, which health officials say rapidly reduces transmission risk once initiated.
Migration Patterns Bring Endemic Diseases to Europe
The cases underscore growing concerns about imported infectious diseases through increased migration from endemic regions. One confirmed patient had recently returned from Asia, where her mother is currently hospitalized with leprosy. This pattern mirrors similar incidents across Europe, including five leprosy cases documented in Ireland over the past decade, highlighting the need for enhanced health screening protocols.
Leprosy remains endemic in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, with 172,717 new cases reported globally in 2024. Asia alone accounted for 130,000 cases, representing the highest concentration worldwide. While Romania eliminated leprosy as a public health problem by 2010, these new cases demonstrate how global migration can reintroduce diseases that had been effectively controlled through decades of public health efforts.
Health Officials Downplay Transmission Risks
Prof. Dr. Simin Aysel Florescu from Victor Babeș Infectious Diseases Hospital characterized the cases as a mild tuberculoid form of leprosy, emphasizing that transmission requires prolonged close contact over weeks, months, or years. Romanian officials stress that spa customers face minimal risk, as the disease spreads through extended cohabitation rather than casual contact. Treatment with multi-drug therapy effectively halts transmission within days of initiation.
Despite official reassurances, the incident raises legitimate questions about health screening procedures for migrant workers in service industries. The European Union currently lacks standardized guidelines for leprosy surveillance and contact tracing, as highlighted in recent academic studies of similar cases. This gap in oversight could allow preventable disease transmission in communities that have successfully eliminated such health threats through decades of vigilant public health measures.
Sources:
Romania leprosy disease symptoms Cluj
Second leprosy case confirmed in Romania doctor says no threat of epidemic
Migrants bring leprosy back to European country after four decades with no cases
WHO data on leprosy Hansen’s disease
Message for World Leprosy Day 2025
