By: Ms. Jamie Carey

Leprosy-What is it? Leprosy also known as Hansen’s Disease is a chronic

infectious disease of humans caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium Leprae.

This bacteria was discovered by Gerhard Hansen in 1873

History-Where Did it Come From?It was considered a mysterious disease associated with

a curse

Thought to be a hereditary disease, a curse, or a punishment from God.

Leprosy patients were stigmatized and shunned. For example, in Europe during the Middle Ages, leprosy

sufferers had to wear special clothing, ring bells to warn others that they were close, and even walk on a particular side of the road, depending on the direction of the wind.

Types of Leprosy and Symptoms Paucibacillary Hansen's disease: Milder form

of Leprosy. One or more hypopigmented skin macules

Multibacillary Hansen's diseaseSkin lesionsNodulesPlagues Thickened Dermis Nose bleedNasal Congestion

Transmission: How do you get it?

Long term contact with a person who has the disease but has NOT been treated

Thought to be spread in respiratory droplets

The incubation period of Leprosy is 5 years

TransmissionLeprosy is not inherited

You cannot get Leprosy from someone once it has been treated.

95% of the world’s population has a natural immunity to leprosy

Diagnosis: How do you know you REALLY have Leprosy?

Skin biopsySmall piece of skin examined for

mycobacterium leprae bacteria

Skin smear

Treatment/Cure Leprosy patients take 3 medications

Dapsone, Rifampin, and Clofazamine

Taken for 6 months or longer

Medication is taken at home

Disease can be cured if medicine is taken as described.

Mortality Rate

Mortality in leprosy is often not considered important since the disease is rarely an immediate cause of death. However, leprosy patients are exposed to increase mortality risks due to its indirect effects.

Where In The World Does Leprosy Occur?

91 countries reported Leprosy in 1999/2000

Leprosy is an Endemic in 24 countries

Top ten countries with the most leprosy: India, Brazil, Myanmar (Burma), Indonesia,

Nepal, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania.

MAP