Leprosy is a disease that affects the nervous system. It is caused by the Mycobacterium leprae bacteria. This bacterium affects the body’s nervous system, concentrating on the cooler parts of the body. Affected areas are skin, eyes, and muscles in the hands and feet. One of the first symptoms is usually discoloured patches of skin on the arms or legs. These patches are often numb to the touch and cause a “tingling” sensation.
Without treatment, the hands start to claw inward and the loss of feeling spreads to other areas of the body. When a person doesn’t feel pain in their feet or hands, they don’t seek treatment for cuts or burns — the resulting infections can lead to permanent disabilities and even amputation.
In addition to the physical symptoms, leprosy also causes a great deal of emotional pain from discrimination and fear. People who are diagnosed with leprosy are sometimes forced to leave their family and community.
Leprosy has attacked people since the beginning of recorded history — and it was untreatable. Those living with leprosy had no choice but to hide their symptoms from the rest of the community.
But today, leprosy can be cured! In 1982, a combination of drugs known as Multi-Drug Therapy was discovered to be effective in eliminating the bacteria that causes leprosy.
The Leprosy Mission works in countries around the world to administer the cure and follow through with patient care. After treatment, the Mission helps the person regain their dignity and self-worth through education and small business loans. Our commitment to healing the whole person means curing the disease and helping each person return to their families as contributing members of their community.
For more information about leprosy, please visit www.leprosy.ca.
