Leprosy: A Disease, Not a Dish

Leprosy (Hansen's disease) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects skin, peripheral nerves, upper respiratory mucosa, and eyes.

It is not a food. The name may sound exotic, but it's a serious neglected tropical disease. Early multidrug therapy (MDT: dapsone, rifampicin, clofazimine) cures it and prevents disability.

Stigma remains a major barrier to care. Leprosy is mildly communicable (prolonged close contact), not highly contagious.