Why in news?
- India continues to account for about 57% of global leprosy cases, with factors such as genetic vulnerability and poor living conditions increasing susceptibility to the disease.
- Other Nme: Leprosy is also known as Hansen’s Disease.
- Fact: Leprosy is one of the oldest diseases in recorded history.
- Cause: Bacteria called Mycobacterium Leprae
- Areas of Infection: Skin, Peripheral nerves, Upper respiratory tract and Lining of the nose.
- Mode of Transmission: Mainly by breathing airborne droplets from the affected individuals.
- Symptoms: Red patches on the skin, skin lesion, numbness in arms, hands, and legs, ulcers on the soles of feet, muscle Weakness and excessive weight loss.
- Effect: Disfigurement, permanent nerve damage in arms and legs and even loss of sensation in the body.
- Treatment: Leprosy is curable with the combination of drugs known as Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT).
Source: The Hindu