- Index hide
According to the WHO, symptoms can appear within the first year, although they can also take up to 20 years or even longer to manifest.
According to Statista, during 2021 there were 140,546 new cases of leprosy worldwide.
According to Statista, in 2021, Southeast Asia registered 93,485 new cases of leprosy.
Within the framework of the World Day Against Leprosy, which is celebrated on January 29, the San Luis Potosí Health Secretariat reported that during 2022, 32 residents of Potosí were treated on suspicion of having acquired leprosy.
According to what was reported by other media, the health authorities of San Luis Potosí explained that last year, after the pandemic crisis, the intentional search actions for the detection of leprosy under the State Mycobacteriosis Program were reactivated. through which 5,586 review and prevention actions were carried out.
Likewise, after the diagnoses made, it was found that two people are infected with this disease and treatment was provided to one more who has remained with this active condition since 2014.
Why does World Leprosy Day exist?
World Leprosy Day is celebrated on the last Sunday of January with the aim of raising awareness in society about this disease and reducing the stigma suffered by people who suffer from it.
In 1991, the World Health Organization scheduled the elimination of leprosy by the year 2000. The goal was not met, but much progress was made thanks to the joint efforts of various institutions and the free distribution of medication.
What is the treatment for leprosy?
According to information from MedlinePlus, most people who come in contact with the bacteria do not develop the disease. This is because your immune system is able to fight the bacteria. Experts think the bacteria is spread when a person inhales the tiny airborne droplets released when someone with leprosy coughs or sneezes.
The bacteria can also be transmitted by contact with the nasal fluids of a person with leprosy. Leprosy has two common forms: tuberculoid and lepromatous. Both forms cause skin ulcers. However, the lepromatous form is more serious. Several different antibiotics are used to treat leprosy to destroy the bacteria that cause the disease. These include:
- Dapsone
- rifampin
- clofazamine
- Fluoroquinolones
- macrolides
- minocycline
Often more than one antibiotic is given at a time, and usually for months. Additionally, acetylsalicylic acid, prednisone, or thalidomide are used to control inflammation.
Related notes:
