Leprosy (Hansen's Disease)
Description
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, upper respiratory tract, and eyes. Leprosy develops slowly, and symptoms include skin lesions, numbness, muscle weakness, and deformities due to nerve damage. The disease is transmitted through respiratory droplets, though it is not highly contagious. Treatment with a combination of antibiotics, known as multidrug therapy, is highly effective in curing leprosy and preventing disability, although early diagnosis is crucial. Leprosy is rare in most developed countries, but it remains a concern in some parts of the world.