In 2016, the World Health Organisation (WHO) launched its “Global Leprosy Strategy 2016–2020: Accelerating towards a leprosy-free world” to reinvigorate efforts for leprosy control.
Leprosy (known as Hansen’s disease) is a communicable or infectious disease of the skin caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae which can be transmitted via droplet i.e. from the nose and mouth of the infected individual.
Read: Mystery China virus patients could have infected family members: officials
The bacteria usually targets the nervous system and parts of the body especially the hands, feet, and face. The disease is curable and treated with combination (multi-drug therapy) of antibiotics. If not treated on time, it can cause disabilities in the limbs and deformities.
The incubation period is long with an average of 5 years. Symptoms may occur within a year but can also take as long as 20 years or even more to occur.
Signs and symptoms of leprosy:
· Pale or slightly reddish patch
· Loss of sensation in the patch
· Painless ulcers
· Enlargement of peripheral nerves in specific body parts
· Signs of damage to nerves
-Definite loss of sensation in hands/feet
-Weakness of muscles of hands/feet/face
-Visible deformity of hands/feet/face
Dumisani Malamule spokesperson for the department urged anyone with any of the mentioned signs and symptoms to seek medical attention from his or hers nearest clinic or hospital. “Early diagnosis and treatment limits or prevents tissue damage.
The Department will conduct Leprosy awareness in health facilities, churches and communities in various areas in the province.
