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Leprosy is an infection caused by a bacterica called Mycobacterium leprae.

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Hansen's Disease is most commonly known as Leprosy. It can affect the nerves, skin, eyes and the lining of the nose.

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Symptoms of of Mycobaterium leprae (Leprosy)

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Discolored patches of skin, usually flat, that may be numb and look faded (lighter than the skin around)

Growths (nodules) on the skin

Thick, stiff or dry skin

Painless ulcers on the soles of feet

Painless swelling or lumps on the face or earlobes

Loss of eyebrows or eyelashes

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It is unclear how Leprosy spreads between people. Scientists believe it occurs when a person with the disease coughs or sneezes and a healthy person breathes in the bacteria-containing droplets. It takes many months of close contact with someone who has untreated Leprosy to catch the disease.

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Researchers think that "humans first transmitted Leprosy to armadillos, sometime in the past 500 years, and a study from 2011 confirmed that armadillos can pass it back to humans." Armadillos are the only other animal besides humans known to get Leprosy.

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Who can Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) affect?

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Who can Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) affect?

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While Leprosy can affect people of all ages, it’s most common in people aged five to 15 or those over 30. Research suggests that over 95% of people infected with Mycobacterium leprae don’t actually develop leprosy because their bodies fight off the infection.

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In the U.S., Hansen’s disease (Leprosy) is rare. The risk of getting Leprosy for any adult around the world is very low. That’s because more than 95% of all people have natural immunity to the disease.

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How is Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) Treated?

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How is Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) Treated?

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Hansen’s disease is treated with a combination of antibiotics. Typically, 2 or 3 antibiotics are used at the same time. These are Dapsone with Rifampicin, and Dlofazimine. This is called multidrug therapy. This strategy helps prevent the development of antibiotic resistance by the bacteria, which may otherwise occur due to length of the treatment. Treatment usually last between one or two years. The illness can be cured if treatment is completed as prescribed.

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The best way to prevent the spread of leprosy is the early diagnosis and treatment of people who are infected. For household contacts, immediate and annual examinations are recommended for at least five years after last contact with a person who is infectious.