Leprosy is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium
leprae
Leprosy is a bacterial disease of the skin and nerves,
which can progress to involve internal organs if it is
not treated. In some forms of leprosy, the upper airway
(nose and throat) may be affected. Leprosy is more common
in parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America than it is
in the United States. Most cases in the United States
occur among immigrants and refugees living in California,
Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Texas, Puerto Rico, and New
York City.
Anyone can get leprosy, but it is rarely seen
in children younger than 3 years old
How leprosy spreads is uncertain
Leprosy is probably spread by close contact with people
infected with Mycobacterium leprae. The bacteria may enter
the body through the nose and broken skin. Untreated leprosy
patients have millions of bacteria in the mucus from their
noses.
Symptoms of leprosy include:
- Skin lesions which often cannot feel touch or pain
- Nose bleeds
- Nose congestion (“stuffiness”)
- Hair loss (eyebrows, eyelashes, body hair)
Leprosy can be treated with antibiotics
Treatment for leprosy involves taking several antibiotics
for at least 6 months and up to several years. In most
cases, a person will lose the ability to infect others
within days to months of starting treatment.
Leprosy can be prevented
Early diagnosis and treatment of leprosy may prevent
spread of the disease. People living in the same household
as an infected person and anyone else who comes into close
contact with an infected person should be examined by
a doctor and continue to be examined each year for at
least five years.
Leprosy is a reportable disease
Doctors work with local health departments to evaluate
people who have been in close contact with a person diagnosed
with leprosy. They also work to make sure all those who
need antibiotics receive them. There are no restrictions
on working or attending school as long as a person is
being treated correctly.
Return to Fact Sheet Index
Maryland Department of Health & Mental
Hygiene
Office of Epidemiology and Disease Control Programs
May 2002 |
are PDF. Download