Definition:
Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy)

Overview:
Hansen’s Disease, also known as leprosy, is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, and mucosal surfaces of the respiratory tract.

Clinical Manifestations:
Hansen’s Disease presents with a wide range of clinical manifestations, varying from mild to severe. The disease primarily manifests as skin lesions, nerve damage, and impaired sensation in affected areas.

Modes of Transmission:
Hansen’s Disease is thought to spread through respiratory droplets by prolonged close contact with untreated, infectious individuals. However, it has a relatively low contagiousness and a long incubation period of approximately 5 years.

Treatment:
Hansen’s Disease is curable with multidrug therapy (MDT) consisting of antibiotics such as dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can prevent complications, deformities, and disabilities associated with the disease.

Prevalence:
Although Hansen’s Disease is considered a rare disease globally, there are still endemic regions where the disease is more prevalent, including parts of Africa, Asia, South America, and the Pacific. Efforts to eliminate the disease have significantly reduced its worldwide prevalence.