LEPROSY

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Context

• Clofazimine, a key drug for treatment of leprosy, which had been in short supply in the Indian market for several months, is now “not available”, with the situation turning into a crisis.

Leprosy

• 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.
• Incubation Period: On average, the disease incubation period is 5 years but symptoms may occur within 1 year. It can also take as long as 20 years or even more to occur.
• 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.

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