World Leprosy Day

Because the health and wellbeing of every GEMS member matters to us, the sharing of information on healthcare topics is an important part of our communication to members. This holds true even if the illness concerned is viewed as being an obscure disease. It is with this in mind that we cast our healthcare spotlight onto a disease that has been with us since the beginning of days, namely leprosy.

Key facts

• Leprosy, or Hansen's Disease as it is referred to, is a chronic, infectious illness caused by a bacteria known as Mycobacterium leprae.
• Official World Health figures show that almost 182 000 people, mainly in Asia and Africa, were impacted by leprosy at the beginning of 2012, with approximately 219 000 new cases reported during 2011.
• It can affect the skin, mucous membranes, as well as nerves in certain parts of the body such as the hands, feet and eyes. In severe cases muscle paralysis in those areas can occur, as well as blindness and disfigurement.
• The bacteria associated with this disease multiplies very slowly and the incubation period of the disease can be as long as about five years while symptoms can take as long as 20 years to appear.
• Leprosy is not highly infectious. It is transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contact with untreated cases.
• Untreated, leprosy can cause progressive and permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes.
• Fortunately, leprosy can easily be cured if detected and treated early on with multidrug therapy. Treatment courses last between six and 12 months, depending on the severity of the illness. Patients are no longer infectious after the first month of treatment.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 14 million leprosy patients have been cured over the past 20 years. Despite great strides made towards eradicating this illness, research indicates that the disease is still prevalent in 130 countries such as Angola, Brazil, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nepal and the United Republic of Tanzania. 

Rare but not impossible
While the majority of people have a natural resistance to leprosy, it can occasionally be contracted in certain cases by individuals with compromised immune systems, though this is very rare. It is commonly thought that most leprosy is passed on by respiratory droplets when those with leprosy (who are not receiving treatment) cough or sneeze.

Recognising the signs
Patients with leprosy will display an unusual combination of symptoms, such as patches of skin that may appear lighter than others and constant blisters on the hands and feet. 

Other symptoms of leprosy may include:

• Lumps appearing on the face and ears
• Pain around the joints
• Loss of feeling in the fingers and toes

Access to treatment
If leprosy is identified early and treatment is commenced immediately, treatment results are quite good. The health of a patient who is being treated appropriately and quickly can improve dramatically and patients will soon be leprosy-free.

However, this is sadly not the case for those whose leprosy has not been diagnosed or who do not have access to treatment. These individuals become severely disfigured by their leprosy due to the lack of medical intervention and are often cast out of their homes and communities because of their appearance.

Encouraging others to come forward
Stigma around leprosy has existed for as long as the disease itself, which, according to the World Health Organization, was documented as far back as 600BC. Sufferers of leprosy have been rejected by society for centuries due to ignorance about the illness and incorrect beliefs that it is associated with being cursed.

This World Leprosy Day, GEMS actively encourages individuals to be aware of leprosy and of the fact that if it is treated early on it can be cured and prevented from spreading. If caught early leprosy can easily be overcome, however, if left to develop it can be a physical and emotional nightmare for those who suffer from it. Individuals who think that they may have the illness should therefore come forward so that they can receive the medical attention they require.

If you would like to know how GEMS can assist you to obtain more information about any of your healthcare needs, you can contact the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or send an SMS to 083 450 4367. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and well-being.

Sources:

The Leprosy Mission South Africa - www.leprosymission.co.za
Web MD - www.webmd.com
The World Health Organisation - http://www.webmd.com/