Leprosy - LPNI

On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee.  As he was going into the village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice,  “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.”  And as they went, they were cleansed. (Luke 17: 11-14)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

This is one of the wonderful stories of Christ’s healing ministry.  Have you ever wondered about leprosy in modern times?  What causes it, and is the disease still a threat?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 180,000 people worldwide are infected with leprosy.  Most of these are found in Africa and Asia.  In the United States about 100 cases are diagnosed annually.  Leprosy has been around since ancient times.  It is an infectious disease that causes severe disfiguring skin sores and peripheral nerve damage.  The eyes and nasal mucosa may also be affected.  If left untreated, the nerve damage can result in paralysis and crippling of hands and feet.  It occurs most frequently among people living in poverty.  In many cultures it is shrouded in fear and disgrace.  Those affected are often outcasts of society.  

Leprosy (also known as Hansen’s Disease) is caused by the bacteria, Mycobacterium leprae.  The bacteria are slow growing.  It may take three to five years from exposure for symptoms to develop.  The long incubation period makes it difficult to track the source of the disease. Contrary to many beliefs, leprosy is not particularly contagious.  The disease requires repeated close contact with nasal secretions from an untreated person with leprosy to develop.  For this reason, children are more likely to develop the disease than adults.  Leprosy is not spread from mother to her unborn baby, nor is it sexually transmitted.  

There are two types of leprosy diagnosed by the number and type of skin patches.  Tuberculoid (paucibacillary) has fewer of the lightly pigmented, numb skin patches and is less contagious. Lepromatous (multibacillary) is a more severe form of leprosy with more widespread skin patches, numbness and muscle weakness.  The nose, kidneys and male reproductive organs may also be affected.  Diagnosis is made by skin biopsy or skin smear.

Leprosy is curable with early diagnosis and treatment with multi-drug therapy.  Social stigma often delays symptom reporting and treatment.  Treatment can cure the disease, but it does not reverse nerve damage or disfigurement.  In 2016, the WHO launched a five-year global strategy to stop leprosy and its complications, strengthen government ownership and eliminate discrimination.   

Carol Broemmer, RN, MA                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     LCMS Missouri District Parish Nurse Representative                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   cbroemmer@charter.net

Sources:

http://www.who.int/wer/2017/wer9235/en/ (World Health Organization, Global Leprosy Update 2016)

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/leprosy  (Web MD, Leprosy Overview)