Figure 1.--This photograph was taken at a primary school in Gandhigramam village, Tamil Nadu, a southern state (October 2018). It shows a skin screening program to detect leprosy early in in rural India. We can see that only the boys were asked to remove their shirts, a cultural matter, but surely affecting the effectiveness of the screening procedure. We also see that the the pupils are barefoot, very common in rural India. Also notice the children's ID cards. Leprosy is a disease commonly correlated with poverty. In India, poverty is most prevalent in northern states.

Leprosy is an infectious disease that has been known since ancient times, although ancient accounts could refer to conditions with similar symptoms. It is also known as Hansen's disease. It results from a slow-growing bacteria (Mycobacterium leprae and lepromatosis. Leprosy probably originated in East Africa, although this is still disputed. It spread as humans spread around the world. The slave trade appears to have been a major conduit. It was not known in pre-Columbian America. Growth of the bacteria can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and lining of the nose. Body parts may lose their sense of touch and pain, which can cause likelihood of injuries, especially cuts and burn. There was no cure for the disease until the 20th century. The bacteria that causes Hansen's disease grows very slowly. After contact with the bacteria, it may take up to 20 years for someone to develop signs of the disease. And because the disease was no immediately life threatening, the only possible measure was to separate those affected from society. Leper colonies were established in isolated areas. Leprosy could over time lead to gross disfigurement and the loss of appendages. As a result, it led to fear, stigma, and prejudice. It was once believed to be highly contagious. And could devastate a person's life. The disease can be spread by contact, but for the most part only by extensive not casual contact. The infecting bacteria grows very slowly. After contacting the bacteria, it can take up to 20 years for a person to develop symptoms. Leprosy is now known to be difficult to spread. People with Hansen's disease can live an active life during and after treatment. Today it can be easily treated and cured if detected early enough. Treatment entails multi-drug therapy with antibiotics. Those contracting Leprosy can live an active life during and after treatment. Today leprosy is rare in America, most resulting from overseas travel. It mostly occurs in developing countries with poor sanitary standards and poor public health systems. There has been a huge reduction in the incidence of leprosy since the 1980s. along with declines in world-wide poverty and improvements in public health systems. Most new cases are reported in only 14 countries and nearly half are reported in India. 【Suzuki, et. al.】

Sources

Suzuki, K, T. Akama, A. Kawashima, A. Yoshihara, R.R. Yotsu, and N. Ishii. (February 2012). "Current status of leprosy: epidemiology, basic science and clinical perspectives," The Journal of Dermatology Vol. 39, No. 2 (February 2012), pp. 121–29.

Created: 12:30 PM 6/26/2024
Last updated: 12:30 PM 6/26/2024