Leprosy is a mildly infectious disease caused by a bacillus that affects the skin - nodules and pale patches of skin are the first signs of leprosy.
Leprosy also attacks the nerves that provide feeling to different parts of the body. This can lead to muscle weakness and paralysis.
Leprosy can have an effect on the hands and feet called ‘claw hand’ and ‘drop foot’ respectively. Serious infections without treatment can lead to amputations of certain body parts and to serious damage to the eyes.
Although leprosy is curable, many persons affected by the disease are at risk of leprosy reaction, which is a painful immune-system response that can happen for many years after being cured of the disease.
This disease mostly affects poverty-stricken areas and is most likely to affect those whose immune systems have been weakened due to overcrowding, poor sanitation and poor nutrition.
Leprosy-affected persons face social isolation due to misplaced fears that lead to persecution and rejection from families and communities. This discrimination stems from myths, superstitions, and laws that deny fundamental rights to persons affected by leprosy.
