Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by a bacillus called Mycobacterium leprae. M. leprae multiplies slowly and the incubation period of the disease, on average, is 5 years. Symptoms may occur within a year, but also can take as long as 20 years or even longer. Leprosy is likely transmitted via droplets from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contact with untreated cases. There were about 127.558 new cases of leprosy detected globally in 2020, according to official figures from 139 countries from the 6 WHO Regions.
The main signs and symptoms of leprosy including skin patches, which are a different color from the rest of our skin. We can also feel numbness on our hands and feet, and weakness on our muscles. To treat these symptoms, we can use Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT), which is a combination of three antibiotics that has been used to treat leprosy for decades. Some of this drug including Dapsone, Rifampicin, and Clofazimine.
In this year’s World Leprosy Day, we should get together to prevent leprosy and educate each other. Also don’t misunderstand this disease by believing the negative stigmas that are spreading around us. So, let us United for Dignity!
“Grow in Everlasting Chances, Bloom in the Service for Others”
Viva AMSA!
Reference:
www.who.int