Key facts
Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by a slow multiplying bacillus, Mycobacterium leprae.
M. leprae multiplies slowly and the incubation period of the disease is about 5 years. Symptoms can take as long as 20 years to appear.
The disease mainly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and also the eyes.
Leprosy is curable.
Although not highly infectious, it is transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contacts with untreated cases.
Early diagnosis and treatment with multidrug therapy (MDT) remain key in eliminating the disease as a public health concern
Untreated, leprosy can cause progressive and permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes.
Official figures from 103 countries from 5 WHO regions show the global registered prevalence of leprosy to be at 180 618 at the end of 2013; during the same year, 215 656 new cases were reported
Key facts Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by a slow multiplying bacillus, Mycobacterium leprae. M. leprae multiplies slowly and the incubation period of the disease is about 5 years. Symptoms can take as long as 20 years to appear. The disease mainly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and also the eyes. Leprosy is curable. Although not highly infectious, it is transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contacts with untreated cases. Early diagnosis and treatment with multidrug therapy (MDT) remain key in eliminating the disease as a public health concern Untreated, leprosy can cause progressive and permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes. Official figures from 103 countries from 5 WHO regions show the global registered prevalence of leprosy to be at 180 618 at the end of 2013; during the same year, 215 656 new cases were reported
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