What is Leprosy?

Leprosy…• Caused by Mycobaterium leprae• Mildly infectious• Sometimes slow to show symptoms• Curable

Multidrug Therapy (MDT)

Always cures leprosy

Makes patient non-infectious

Does not undo effects of leprosy

First Signs:• Red or white patches• Loss of feeling

Sensory Loss

Infections

Ulcers

Disfigurement

Examples

Loss of movement

Hands - ‘Clawed’ Feet - Drop footFace - Blindness

Leprosy Myths

Myth 1: Leprosy causes body parts to simply fall off.

Myth 2: Leprosy is highly contagious. Just touching an infected person is dangerous.

These are not true!

Stigma of Leprosy

• Not allowed to go to school

• Unable to find work

• Abandoned by family

• Excluded from community events