1. Hansen’s Disease/ Leprosy By Heather Karn

2. What is it?  an infectious disease that has been known since biblical times. It is characterized by disfiguring skin sores, nerve damage, and progressive debilitation.

3. Cause & Treatment An organism or bacteria called Mycobacteriumleprae Not very Contagious Long time for symptoms to appear 2 common forms tuberculoid lepromatous Common in temperate tropical subtropical **100 cases per year**  Treatment is antibiotics to kill bacteria & asprin, prednisone, & thalidomide to control inflammation

4. Prevention & symptoms  Prevention is to avoid untreated people  Complications are cosmetic disfigurement and permanent nerve damage  Symptoms are sensory loss in hands, arms, feet and legs, muscle weakness, sores on skin, large disfiguring lumps and bumps (nodules)