Leprosy is an infectious disease, more or less contagious, caused by the bacillus of Hansen, which multiplies very slowly. The period of incubation is about five years and the symptoms may become apparent only after 20 years. The poor conditions of hygiene are among the risk factors for dissemination.
Leprosy causes skin damage or damage to the nerves that lead to serious sequelae.
The community has always tended to reject patients. Shame often prevents a leper to consult and thus benefit from early treatment. Treated early, the patient avoids the disability.
Africa, Asia and Latin America are the regions most affected by leprosy. There would be in the world more than 10 million people with leprosy.
In 1967, Cardinal Paul-Emile Leger of Montreal, travels to Cameroon to take care of lepers. He stayed there for two years.
13 avril 2010
| The text above is for information purposes only. Only a doctor can diagnose a disease. No treatment (medication or scheme) should be undertaken without consulting a health professional. |