Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) 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 disease Skin lesions Nodules Plagues Thickened Dermis Nose bleed Nasal 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

Transmission Leprosy 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 biopsy Small 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.

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