We all happen to sight people with bumps and lesions in their hands and often without the ability to operate daily chores with their hands. Some of us flinch when we see them. Some of us take pity. There might be other kinds or reactions too. But this is not necessary at all. There are many myths surrounding leprosy. One of them is that it is a curse or that it can be transferred instantly if we go near them. These are not true.
Leprosy is a progressive infection caused by a bacterium, Mycobacterium leprae. It affects the skin, eyes, nose and nerves. It is curable and if detected early, disabilities can be prevented. In the 138 countries from all WHO regions, the prevalence of leprosy at the end of 2015 was around 176 000 cases. The number of new cases reported globally in 2015 was 211 973, as per WHO global reports.
This number has come down as compared to the number of new cases in 2013 and 2014 respectively. Leprosy is prevalent throughout the world but is most common in India, Brazil, and other areas with warm climates
Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is usually contracted by breathing airborne droplets from affected individuals' coughs and sneezes. It is also transmitted by coming into direct contact with their nasal fluids. It has not been inherited, only the risk of contracting leprosy is passed on to the next generation. But it is not highly transmissible. Around 95% of individuals exposed to Mycobacterium leprae never develop leprosy.
The infection is not age-specific and can be contacted at any age. The downside to the disease is that symptoms can take anywhere from several months to 20 years to appear. By the time the symptoms are visible and attributed to the infection, it may not be possible to avoid permanent damage.
Leprosy disease treatments is not a single shot with one type of drug to cure it easily, like other infections. Depending on the severity, symptoms and intensity a multidrug therapy is put into action.
India makes up around 58% of the world’s leprosy cases. This figure is huge, mostly due to lack of knowledge of the disease. During the pre and post-colonial periods, individuals affected by leprosy were shunned and discriminated against. With awareness, the stigma is reducing but the status of India being the largest affected country remains the same.
Funds for the elimination of leprosy and medical treatment in India have improved considerably. India runs the largest leprosy education program in the world. Despite such efforts, Individuals with leprosy have formed colonies to create a neighbourhood without discrimination for themselves.
Some do not even disclose the existence of such symptoms to the family. The rest of individuals living within the society have a tough time maintaining jobs and family.
In order to prevent such social stigma and to encourage inclusiveness in the society, one has to be more aware of leprosy and change the idea behind leprosy. Leprosy was thought of as a curse or consequence owing to sins committed, and that befriending such individuals will make one contract the same disease. However, it is one of the least infectious diseases.
One must also know the symptoms to ensure friends and family get the required assistance on time. Leprosy disease symptoms include blisters or lesions on the skin, rashes, loss of colour, redness, reduced sensation of touch and pin and needles.
Disability occurs in the advanced stages of the infection. It takes around 30 years for the symptoms to appear or manifest completely. Spreading awareness on issues such as leprosy will help in reducing the incidences or at least stop the discrimination suffered by many.
