Ganta Leprosy Clinic ---Leprosy Myth Busting

While I was in Ganta I stayed with the Catholic Nuns from Italy. They have been operating a Leprosy and TB Hospital since the war ended. While there I came to the realization that I knew nothing about Leprosy. So, I tried to learn as much as I could while there. For example here are some questions for you to try to answer..

1. What is leprosy?
2. Can other people get leprosy from a patient?
3. Where is leprosy a problem?
4. How is it spread?
5. Can leprosy be cured?
Answers are Below..
















This is Jenn with a couple of Leprosy patients. Augustin and Junior, both recieved surgery on the Anastasis since I arrived in Liberia.

Answers from Above
1.
Leprosy is caused by bacteria or germs called Mycobacterium leprae. It is an infection that affects the skin and the nerves of the hands and feet and can also cause problems in the eyes and nose. Mycobacterium leprae multiplies very slowly and the incubation period of the disease is about five years. Symptoms can take as long as 20 years to appear

2.
Patients on medicine for leprosy do not spread the disease. When a person is placed on medication, most of the bacteria are killed within a few days. Within two weeks of starting the medicine, there is no risk of spreading the disease to anyone else. It is not necessary to isolate a person with leprosy at any time. Also, it is NOT transmitted through sexual contact or pregnancy.

3.
In 9 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America leprosy is still considered a public health problem; These countries account for about 75% of the global disease burden.

4.
In most cases, it is spread through long-term contact with a person who has the disease but has not been treated. Most people will never develop the disease even if they are exposed to the bacteria. Of the world's population, 95% have a natural immunity to leprosy.
In the Southern US, some armadillos carry this bacteria. It is still uncertain if transmission to humans is possible from armadillos.

5.
Yes..
Leprosy is a curable disease and treatment provided in the early stages averts disability; Multidrug therapy (MDT) is used to cure leprosy. MDT consists of three drugs: dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine.
Since 1995, the World Health Organization has provided free MDT for all patients in the world.


For more information About Leprosy Go HERE

For the ship photographers pictures from the Ganta Leprosy Clinic look HERE