LEPROSY – INTRODUCTION
Leprosy has been known since Biblical times, and is still a scourge throughout the world.
It still occurs in parts of the Middle East, Asia, the Pacific, Africa, Central and South America, Southern Europe around the Mediterranean and in Northern Australia
There are about 10 to 15 million sufferers throughout the world.
But, contrary to popular opinion, it is not highly infectious.
The germ is similar to the one which causes ÒÂ.
Most infections are contracted in childhood but it may take up to 10 years for the disease to declare itself.
The germs are usually spread from the upper respiratory tract, mainly the nose and throat, and enter the body, usually via a skin abrasion.
Because it doesn’t affect vital organs it rarely causes death, and often the patient doesn’t feel ill for most of the course of the disease.
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