World Leprosy Day 2023: Leprosy or Hansen’s disease isn’t as widespread as before but is still in existence in many parts of the world. According to World Health Organization, around 208,000 people have leprosy worldwide with majority of the cases in Asia and Africa. Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by a bacteria, Mycobacterium leprae and mainly affects the skin and peripheral nerves, eyes and mucosa of upper respiratory tract and nose. If left untreated, it may cause permanent disabilities while with early diagnosis and treatment, the disease can be cured. Leprosy can cause muscle weakness or paralysis, enlarged nerves and eye problems that may lead to blindness. (Also read: Man confines himself for 10 yrs, ends up with Grade-2 leprosy)
Symptoms of Leprosy
“Common symptoms of leprosy are skin patches that may be red or have a loss of pigmentation, numbness/ tingling in…
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