What is leprosy?
Leprosy is a bacterial disease of the skin and nervous system caused by .mycobacterium leprae.The two main types of leprosy are called lepromatous and tuberculoid.Tuberculoid leprosy is not related to tuberculosis .

Who gets leprosy?
Leprosy is usually found in South Asia,south east Asia,tropical Africa and some areas of Latin America .although it is occasionally found in the southern part of the United States,most people diagnosed with leprosy in this country are immigrants or refugees who were infected in their native countries.

What are. The symptoms of leprosy?
In lepromatous leprosy,the skin lesions are many and widespread .infection in the nose may cause crusting,bleeding and blockage;infections in the eye may inflammation of the iris and cornea.

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear ?

• The range is from 9 months to 20 years
• Usually takes 4 years for tuberculoid
• 8 years for lepromatous

HOW IS LEPROSY SPREAD?

• The bacteria enters the air through the patients nose
• And spread to others by breathing

How can leprosy be prevented?
Household contacts of people with leprosy,especially children , should be examined yearly for at least at least 5 years after their last contact with an infectious person.