Leprosy  Everything you need to know

Leprosy: Everything you need to know 

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is caused by the Mycobacterium leprae bacteria. It can lead to deformity, disability, and social stigma and is more common among men than women. Early treatment is crucial to prevent it from getting worse^. (1,2,3)

Mode of transmission

Leprosy can spread through respiratory droplets from an untreated person to a healthy person over prolonged close contact.

Sign and symptoms

It can take between 1 to 5 years for signs & symptoms of a disease to appear, depending on the individual's immune system.

Symptoms related to the skin include:

1. Small growths on the skin
2. Thick or stiff skin
3. Painless sores on the soles of the feet
4. Swelling or lumps on the face and ears
5. Loss of Eyebrow or eyelash hair

​

Leprosy can damage nerves, causing numbness and other symptoms if left untreated. Can cause:

1. Paralysis in the hands or feet
2. Permanent curling or total loss of toes or fingers
3. Loss of vision if nerves around the eyes are infected.
   

How do I protect myself?

• ​​​Early diagnosis and treatment of infected people is critical to preventing the spread of leprosy.
• BCG vaccination can provide a single dose of 50% or higher protection against the disease.

Yes! Leprosy is curable with a combination of antibacterial medication over a prolonged period, and early ​treatment can help avoid disability.

Let us pledge together as a community to create a world in which ​individuals with leprosy are treated with honor and respect and eradicate leprosy transmission by 2027!

So be aware, detect early, and prevent Leprosy!

​Did you know?

When somebody begins to receive treatment for Leprosy, they can no longer spread the disease to other people.

​​Reference​

https://rb.gy/5be9hk

https://rb.gy/5msgvk

https://rb.gy/got61j