Leprosy

Leprosy is a chronic infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. It is also known as Hansen’s disease after G. A. Hansen, who discovered the bacteria in 1873. Every year approx. 20,000 leprosy patients (both new and old) visit us. Most patients come for receiving their antibiotics (Multi-Drug Therapy). Other complications for which leprosy-affected come to us include ulcers, deformities and lepra reactions (a sort of allergic reaction to the leprosy bacteria). If detected new leprosy patient, then has to go through all tests in Charting Dept, Physiotherapy Dept, Laboratory, Counselling Dept.

Modern medicine tells us that leprosy is spread when an untreated infected person coughs or sneezes (but not by sexual contact or pregnancy). However, leprosy is not very contagious; approximately 95% of people have a natural immunity to the disease. People with leprosy who are treated with medication do not need to be isolated from society.

 Leprosy has always been feared and misunderstood, causing significant stigma and isolation of those afflicted. Millions of people have suffered from incurable disfigurement and physical disabilities, at the same time causing psychological trauma. People were thus forced to live separately in settlements known as `leper colonies`. Most of these have been closed or developed into normal communities.