Hansen's Disease
(leprosy)

What is Hansen's disease?

Hansen's disease, formerly called leprosy, is a complex infectious disease that mainly affects the peripheral nerves. It may also affect the skin, and other tissues, including the eyes, the inner lining of the nasal passages, muscles, bones, and testes. The disease is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. There are two forms of the disease: localized and disseminated. Although anyone can get Hansen's disease, children seem to get it more often than adults. Hansen's disease is rare in the United States.

How do you get it?
The exact mechanism(s) by which a person gets Hansen's disease is unknown, but being in the same household and long-term close contact are important factors. The bacteria of Hansen's disease probably enter the body through the nose, and possibly through broken skin. The bacteria get into the air by breathing in airborne secretory droplets from a person with untreated Hansen's disease.

What are the symptoms of Hansen's disease?
The symptoms of Hansen's disease include skin lesions or discolorations that may be numb. The nerves in the arms and wrists may also become swollen and tender. If left untreated, Hansen's disease can cause nerve damage resulting in loss of muscle control and crippling of the hands and feet. If the eyes are involved, Hansen's disease may result in blindness

When do symptoms start?
It usually takes four to eight years for Hansen's disease to appear.

What is the treatment for Hansen's disease?
Early diagnosis and treatment of persons with the disease are the keys to preventing permanent disability and controlling the spread of disease. There are several effective antibacterial medications that a doctor can prescribe for Hansen's disease. Once drug therapy is started, Hansen's disease patients can be noninfectious within a few days.

How do you keep from getting it?
Carefully wash or dispose of handkerchiefs and other items soiled with secretions from the nose and respiratory tract of Hansen's patients.

Persons having direct contact with a patient who is still contagious should be careful to wash their hands.

Household members and close contacts of Hansen's patients should be examined by a doctor. Checkups are conducted every year for at least five years following the date of last contact with an untreated Hansen's patient.