Leprosy exists and is curable!
Leprosy exists and affects millions of people worldwide. But here’s the good news: it is curable! Help us spread this message and support those affected by this disease.
What is leprosy?
It is an infectious disease that mainly affects the peripheral nerves and skin.
Is it contagious?
Yes, but most people (90%) have a natural resistance against the disease, and thanks to that immunity, they will never get sick.
Who can get this disease?
Those people who have a genetic predisposition and exposure to the microbe that causes the disease.
Can it be cured?
Yes, for several decades we have had effective medications that can cure the disease, if early detection and treatment is carried out.
Leprosy
Here we leave you more information about this disease
What is leprosy?
It is an infectious disease that mainly affects the peripheral nerves and skin.
What causes it?
It is caused by a microbe called Hansen’s bacillus, which is only visible under the microscope.
What are its signs?
Signs to suspect leprosy are usually:
- Skin spots
- lighter or redder than normal skin.
- do not itch
- do not hurt
- may be numb
Touching these spots with something soft (e.g., a leaf) the person barely feels it or does not feel it.
Tingling in hands and/or feet (thickened nerves)
- Another sign that may appear is swollen skin, sometimes with nodules, especially on the face and ears.
These signs usually appear a few years after infection has occurred, although it can also take up to 20 years or even longer to manifest. Leprosy is characterized by lesions where pain is NOT perceived, although in some cases episodes occur with:
fever
pain
Is it contagious?
Yes, but most people (90%) have a natural resistance against the disease, and thanks to that immunity, they will never get sick.
Who can get this disease?
Those people who have a genetic predisposition and exposure to the microbe that causes the disease.
It is transmitted through the airways of patients who do not receive treatment.
Upon ingestion of the first dose of the drugs (a treatment called “polychemotherapy”), the risk of contagion reduces significantly in the first hours after starting the treatment.
“Once treatment is started, the contagion mechanism is interrupted.”
Can it be cured?
Yes, for several decades we have had effective medications that can cure the disease, if early detection and treatment is carried out.
How is leprosy treated?
Its cure requires between 6 to 12 months of polychemotherapy.
The treatment is: SIMPLE, EFFECTIVE, and COMPLETELY FREE.
But it should be done: EARLY, CONSISTENTLY, AND OVER TIME
Are the images published about leprosy in the media real?
Yes, but patients who are diagnosed and treated appropriately at the beginning of the disease normally do not develop sequelae.
Data retrieved from https://www.who.int/es/news-room/factsheets/detail/leprosy
And the Education Center of Hospital Mennonita Km 81.