Theme of this day emphasizes ending leprosy-related stigma and discrimination will enhance early case detection and help us achieve a leprosy-free world.
World
Leprosy Day is observed on the last Sunday of January every year. It provides
an opportunity for enhanced efforts and renewed commitment for
elimination/eradication of the debilitating disease at the earliest. It focuses
on the target of zero cases of leprosy-related disabilities in children. Early
detection is prime focus to achieve this target, along with strengthening
interventions to prevent leprosy transmission. Leprosy is also known as
Hansen’s disease.
What is leprosy?
Leprosy
is a chronic infectious disease caused by a bacillus, Mycobacterium leprae (M. laprae).
The symptoms of the disease occur generally after a long period of getting
infection on average 5 years, as M. leprae multiplies very slowly. The disease
mainly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory
tract, and the eyes.
What are the signs and symptoms of
leprosy?
Leprosy
should be suspected if a person shows the following signs and symptoms:
· Dark-skinned
people might have light patches on the skin, while pale-skinned people have
darker or reddish patches
· Loss
or decrease of sensation in the skin patches
· Numbness
or tingling in hand or feet
· Weakness
of hands, feet or eyelids
· Painful
nerves
· Swelling
or lumps in the face or earlobes
· Painless
wounds or burns on hands or feet.
What should be done in case of
suspicion of leprosy?
In case of presence of signs and symptoms of leprosy, please visit the nearest dispensary. Treatment of leprosy is available free of cost at all government dispensaries in India.