Hansen’s Disease FAQ

There are some misconceptions about Hansen’s disease that continue to cause confusion and fuel stigma and discrimination. Here are seven common questions and answers about the disease so you can get the facts.

Question

Answer

Is leprosy very contagious (easy to catch)?

Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) is hard to catch. In fact, 95% of adults cannot catch it because their immune system can fight off the bacteria that causes HD.

Can leprosy cause the fingers and toes to fall off?

The digits do not “fall off” due to leprosy. The bacteria that causes leprosy attacks the nerves of the fingers and toes and causes them to become numb. Burns and cuts on numb parts may go unnoticed, which may lead to infection and permanent damage, and eventually the body may reabsorb the digit. This happens in advanced stages of untreated disease.

Is the leprosy described in historical texts the same leprosy we know today?

Historical leprosy is not the same as modern leprosy. The “leprosy” found in historical and religious texts described a variety of skin conditions from rashes and patchy skin to swelling. They were noted to be very contagious, which is not true for Hansen’s disease. Historical leprosy also did not have some of the most obvious signs of modern Hansen’s disease, like disfigurement, blindness, and loss of pain sensation. The term was also used for mildew on a person’s clothes, possessions or living quarters.

Do people who have leprosy need to live in special houses isolated from healthy people?

People with leprosy who are being treated with antibiotics can live a normal life among their family and friends and can continue to attend work or school.

Can you get leprosy when sitting next to someone who has the disease?

You cannot get leprosy through casual contact such as shaking hands, sitting next to, or talking to someone who has the disease.

Is there a cure for leprosy?

Leprosy can be cured with antibiotic treatment.

How long is someone with leprosy contagious?

A person is not contagious after a few days of starting the treatment with antibiotics. However, the treatment must be finished as prescribed (which may take up to 2 years) to make sure the infection doesn’t come back.

What You Can Do to Help

Many people think of leprosy as an ancient disease that was eradicated many years ago. But each year, thousands of men, women, and children all over the world develop this disease. Despite effective treatment, leprosy is one of the world’s most stigmatized diseases, and people living with leprosy-related disabilities in many countries are shunned, denied basic human rights, and discriminated against. The stigma of leprosy affects the physical, psychological, social, and economic well-being of those with leprosy, contributing to the cycle of poverty in the affected regions.

During World Leprosy Day, we seek to increase public understanding of Hansen’s disease and tackle the social stigma attached to this completely curable disease.

How can you do your part?

  • Educate yourself about Hansen’s disease and share with friends and family that leprosy is a curable illness.

 

24 Hrs Electricity keeps you informed Call ME3 Energy Ltd  on 070-61235392 for all your solar , insulation and electricity needs .