Every two minutes, someone is diagnosed with leprosy. That’s more than 200,000 new cases a year.
Leprosy Mission
World Leprosy Day is an opportunity to raise awareness and understanding for people infected with Leprosy, this is observed on the last Sunday of January every year. Leprosy is a disease caused by a slow multiplying bacteria, Mycobacterium Leprae. The bacteria can be spread through moisture droplets coming from an infected person who has not yet started treatment. It is less likely to be caught through touch, however it is possible with close contact with an infected person for many months.
Often symptoms of the disease occur after 5 years of contracting the bacteria however they can take up to 20 years to develop. Leprosy starts with nerve damage on the skin which gets progressively worse and can possibly lead to infections, disability, muscle paralysis and sight impairment. It can be cured if treated early with multidrug therapy for 6 to 12 months. However, some damage from Leprosy can only be fixed with surgery, while others are irreversible, therefore it is important to get treatment before symptoms progress. Once it is treated the previously infected person will be free of Leprosy.
It was interesting to research Leprosy as I had never been educated about it before today. I have done a lot of research through Leprosy Mission, Healthline and CDC. It is important to research and understand diseases especially ones like Leprosy as there is a lot of stigma attached to this disease. Educate yourself!
Have a nice day!
Chloé
Positive, Happy, Mindful 