Rio to use new test for early diagnosis of leprosy

The Brazilian government is to try out a new test to help diagnose the early stages of leprosy.

There are still over 200,000 new cases of the disease reported worldwide each year. It is caused by bacteria and can be easily treated with antibiotics.

If diagnosis is delayed then the patient can be left with irreversible damage to their limbs, nerves and skin.

Julia Carneiro reports.