Over the years there have been misconceptions and myths about leprosy. But do you know most of these views are mere myths and have no scientific backings.
1. MYTH: LEPROSY IS A DISEASE SENT BY THE GODS AS A RESULT OF SIN.
Leprosy is a disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, leprosy is a chronic infection that is characterized by symptoms including muscle weakness, skin lesions, a feeling of numbness in arms, feet, legs, and hands. Also known as Hansen’s disease, leprosy causing bacteria multiplies extremely slowly and therefore the infection shows the signs a few years post the onset of the infection. The incubation period of Mycobacterium leprae has been found to be 5 years, on average.
2. MYTH: LEPROSY NO LONGER EXIST.
Every year, a significant number of people get affected by leprosy. The misconceptions associated with the condition prevent them from coming forward and talk about it. This leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Notably, leprosy is one of the major causes of disability in the world. So, if you think, with the advancement of medical science, leprosy has become a minor problem, you are highly mistaken.
3. MYTH: LEPROSY CANNOT BE TREATED.
Leprosy is curable. There are several antibiotics available to treat the infection. It is was in the year 1995, that the World Health Organization developed multidrug therapy to treat all types of leprosy. Certain strong antibiotics can potentially kill the bacteria and prevent the occurrence of associated complications including hair loss, disfigurement, disability, blindness, infertility, kidney failure, etc.
4. MYTH: ONLY OLD PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED BY LEPROSY.
Leprosy is not age specific. It can affect anyone at any point in time. People probably believe in this misconception because of the long incubation period of leprosy causing bacteria and extremely delayed visible signs and symptoms. There are cases in which a person got affected by the infection during adulthood and got visible signs when he became old.
5. MYTH: PEOPLE WHO HAVE LEPROSY MUST BE ISOLATED AND KEPT IN SECLUSION
Of course not. Just get them proper treatment. Antibiotics can cure this condition. If you have leprosy, you can live a normal life among family and friends.
6. MYTH: LEPROSY IS HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS.
It is difficult to contract leprosy from someone else. Ninety-five percent of adults have a built-in immune system that prevents them from contracting it. You cannot get leprosy by shaking hands or casual social contact. Think of Mother Teresa who served for years among those with leprosy and never contracted the disease.
7. MYTH: LEPROSY CAUSES FINGERS AND TOES TO DROP OFF.
Fingers do not “fall off” due to leprosy. The disease attacks the nerves, causing fingers and toes to become numb and prone to infection and damaged.
