Leprosy

Leprosy Latest News

Leprosy will be declared a notifiable disease under the Delhi Epidemic Diseases Act, making it mandatory for all healthcare providers to report every new case of leprosy to the District Leprosy Officer, the government recently.

About Leprosy

• Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is an infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae.
• It primarily affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes. 
• It is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) which still occurs in more than 120 countries, with around 200000 new cases reported every year. 
• People affected by the disease often face social isolation and discrimination, particularly in regions where the illness is more common. 

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Leprosy Transmission

• The disease is transmitted through droplets from the nose and mouth of an untreated case of leprosy, containing the causative agent, following prolonged, close contact. 
• The disease does not spread through casual contact (like shaking hands or hugging, sharing meals or sitting next to each other). 
• The patient stops transmitting the disease upon initiation of treatment.

Leprosy Symptoms

• It usually takes about 3 to 5 years for symptoms to appear after you come into contact with the bacteria that cause leprosy.
• The main symptom is disfiguring skin sores, lumps, or bumps that don’t go away after several weeks or months.
• In some cases, body parts may lose their sense of touch and pain, increasing the likelihood of injuries such as cuts and burns.
• Left untreated, the disease may cause progressive and permanent disabilities. 
• It can cause permanent paralysis, blindness, and damage to your hands, feet, and face.  

Leprosy Treatment

• Leprosy is a curable disease. 
• The currently recommended treatment regimen consists of three medicines (dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine) and is referred to as multi-drug therapy (MDT).

Source: TH