Leprosy

John Mason

this properly isnt the right forum but i didnt know where else to post it, so feel free to move it

my friend is moving to the Solomon Islands with work in two weeks. Leprosy is a big problem over there and we were just wondering what the Symptoms are?

i am pretty sure it starts off with numb patches but not 100% certain

tbh

moved up one to bio/med where the glamorous doctors hang out.

GuanYin

Initial symptoms depend on the severity of the Leprosy contracted but usually start with skin rashes (severe) or red spotting (mild). Numbness is due to nerve damage which is usually a later stage of the disease progression.

It should be noted that symptoms of leprosy usually don't occur for several year after infection. There is an incubation stage for the bacteri ain the body of about 3 years but it can be as long as 7 years or as short as 6 months depending on the individual.

We don't currently have a vaccine for leprosy but it isn't as contagious as the movies would have you believe and natural immunity is high and treatements are very effective. Your friend is really only at risk if he/she is living in an infected household. Generally if you feel you have been exposed you should monitor regularly for skin rashes or skin blemishes over 5 years after exposure and have a physician immediately biopsy any suspicious blemish or rash. The key is early detection. Treatment will render you non-infectious and prevent further skin or nerve damage.