Every year, last Sunday of January is observed as Leprosy awareness day. Leprosy is also called as HANSENS DISEASE.
Now you all must be wanting to know what exactly it is?
Hmm ! KODH KI BIMARI, earlier leprosy was known by its traditional slang , Where the people having the problem were treated like untouchables. Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria, Mycobacterium leprae. The disease predominantly affects the skin and peripheral nerves. The bacteria are transmitted via droplets from the nose and mouth during close and frequent contact with untreated cases . The disease is not spread through casual contact with a person who has leprosy like shaking hands or hugging, sharing meals or sitting next to each other. Moreover, the patient stops transmitting the disease when they begin treatment. Leprosy is curable with drugs, but if not catered at right time can lead to disability. Leprosy is diagnosed by finding at least one of the following cardinal signs definite loss of sensation of muscles.
a pale (hypopigmented) or reddish skin patch thickened or enlarged peripheral nerve.
