1. Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease)
By: Ms. Jamie Carey

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Diagnosis: How do you know you REALLY have Leprosy?
Skin biopsy
Small piece of skin examined for mycobacterium leprae bacteria
Skin smear

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. MAP