The patient shall be isolated in accordance with Section 2518 if determined by clinical observation or by laboratory findings to be infectious. The degree of isolation shall be determined by the local health officer, who should, whenever possible, be advised by a physician specially qualified in this disease. If isolation of the patient is required and cannot be carried out at home or if adequate therapy is not available, the State Department of Public Health shall be notified and shall designate a hospital where the patient shall be isolated and treated. Apparently arrested or inactive cases, and persons who have been in close contact with a case for a prolonged period, shall be kept under observation as long as deemed necessary by the local health officer to determine if they have become infected or the disease reactivated.

All reports pertaining to cases of leprosy are confidential and the identity of patients shall not be divulged except as may be necessary for the protection of the public health.