The modern term for the disease is named after the discoverer of the bacterium, Gerhard Armauer Hansen. Sufferers of Hansen’s disease have historically been known as lepers, however this term is falling into disuse as a result of the diminishing number of leprosy patients and the pejorative connotations of the term.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not highly contagious. While the disease still carries significant stigma, patient care has become integrated with routine health care.
Like tuberculosis, it is a very old disease which was already known in ancient times. Leprosy was first mentioned as a curse in Shinto prayers of 1250 BC. It was also mentioned in some Egyptian legends to explain the exodus of the Hebrews. For hundreds years, those with leprosy were taken to a priest, not a doctor and were found ‘guilty; not sick.
Outbreaks of the disease increase in poor socioeconomic conditions (lack of nutrition, bad physical constitution, insufficient hygienic measures). Leprosy primarily involves the skin and the peripheral nervous systems. Typical symptoms are a loss of hair, and impairment of sweet production and sensory disorders.
Leprosy
