What are the effects of Leprosy?

Leprosy mainly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes.

How does leprosy transmit?

The bacillus is likely transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contact with untreated cases.

Leprosy is curable with multidrug therapy (MDT). Untreated, it can cause progressive and permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs, and eyes.

The BCG vaccine has some preventative effect against leprosy.

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Context

In India, Anti Leprosy Day is observed on 30th January every year. 30th January is Mahatma Gandhi's martyrdom day.
He was deeply committed to the cause of leprosy-affected persons. Today is also World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day.

Details

About: Leprosy/ Hansen’s disease is one of the neglected tropical diseases. It is an infectious disease caused by a bacillus, Mycobacterium leprae, which multiplies slowly.
Affects: Leprosy mainly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes.
Transmission: The bacillus is likely transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contact with untreated cases.
Treatment: Leprosy is curable with multidrug therapy (MDT). Untreated, it can cause progressive and permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs, and eyes.
Prevalence: It is most prevalent in India (69% of cases), Brazil, Indonesia, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar and East Africa, Mozambique to Ethiopia, Brazil and Nepal.
Vaccine: The BCG vaccine has some preventative effect against leprosy.
National Program: National Leprosy Eradication Programme is a centrally sponsored scheme. Its vision is “Leprosy-free India”. Under this, action is taken for early case detection, complete treatment of detected cases and to contain the onset of disease in close contacts. It also includes leprosy awareness campaigns. Under the programme, Reconstructive Surgeries are conducted and welfare allowance is paid to each patient undergoing Reconstructive Surgeries.