Leprosy diagnosis in north Qld

A person has been diagnosed with leprosy in north Queensland.

They tested positive in Townsville following multiple visits to Papua New Guinea where leprosy is endemic.

Health authorities say the Australian-born patient, who is being treated with antibiotics, is not considered infectious and the risk to close contacts is very low.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic bacterial infection of the skin and nerves, with skin lesions a typical symptom.

It's the fourth case of leprosy in Queensland this year, which is double the number of cases in the two previous years.