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Leprosy is only mildly infectious and you can’t catch it by touching someone. Learn more.
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Leprosy

Also called: Hansen's disease
A chronic, curable infectious disease mainly causing skin lesions and nerve damage.
  • Treatable by a medical professional
  • Spreads by airborne droplets
  • Requires a medical diagnosis
  • Lab tests or imaging often required
  • Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
Leprosy is caused by infection with the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It mainly affects the skin, eyes, nose and peripheral nerves.
Very rare: Fewer than 20,000 US cases per year
Consult a doctor for medical advice Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more
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Hansen's disease (also known as leprosy) is an infection caused by slow-growing bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. It can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and ...
Jan 27, 2023 · Leprosy is an age-old disease and is described in the literature of ancient civilizations. It is a chronic infectious disease which is caused by ...
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease (HD), is a long-term infection by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis.