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Jan 27, 2023 · WHO fact sheet on leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, an acid-fast, rod-shaped bacillus. Includes key facts, definition, history, action, WHO response. World Health Organization Global
History. Etymology. Society and culture. Public policy. Notable cases. Leprosy in media. Infection of animals. References. Further reading. External links. Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease ( HD ), is a long-term infection by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis.
Leprosy colony founded on the Kalaupapa peninsula of the island of Molokai in modern day Hawaii. About 8,000 Hawaiians were sent to the Kalaupapa peninsula from 1866 through 1969, when the mandatory isolation law was finally lifted. Dr. Armauer Hansen of Norway was the first to see the leprosy germ under a microscope.
Leprosy has been present since earliest times. The genome of M. leprae, the mycobacterium that causes leprosy, is ancient. It probably originated in eastern Africa more than 100,000 years ago.
Overview. More. Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The disease affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes. Leprosy is known to occur at all ages ranging from early childhood to old age.
Apr 11, 2024 · Each year, about 150 people in the U.S. and 250,000 around the worldare diagnosed with Hansen's disease (also known as leprosy). Hansen's disease was once feared as a highly contagious, devastating disease. Now, we know that it's hard to spread and easily treatable. People with Hansen's disease can live an active life during and after treatment.
Throughout history leprosy has touched individual lives, families, and communities. It has brought out the best of people and the worst.
