Leprosy

What is leprosy?

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. The global incidence of leprosy appears to be declining due to improvements in hygiene, socioeconomic conditions, and access to effective treatment.

How is leprosy transmitted?

The exact mode of transmission is not clearly established.

Household and prolonged close contact appear to be important for transmission to take place. Transmission is believed to be from respiratory secretions, and less effectively, direct skin-to-skin contact.

The incubation period is typically 3 to 10 years, ranging from a few weeks to 30 years.

What are the symptoms of leprosy?

Leprosy typically affects the skin and nerves.

Skin-related symptoms include:

• Discoloured or lighter patches of skin

• Thick, stiff or dry skin

• Lumps on the skin

• Painless swelling on face or earlobes

• Loss of eyebrows or eyelashes

Nerve-related symptoms include:

• Numbness at affected areas

• Enlarged nerves

• Eye problems

Leprosy infection can lead to complications, including paralysis of the hands and feet, non-healing foot ulcers, shortening of fingers and toes, and blindness.

What are the risk factors?

Risk factors include:

• Persons with weakened immune systems

• Persons travelling or living in areas with ongoing transmission or outbreaks

How is leprosy treated?

Patients are given a multi-drug therapy (MDT), where combination of dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine is a preferred regimen to treat the infection. Alternative antibiotic regimens may be used where appropriate.

Regular clinical examination of the skin and nerves to detect early signs of nerve damage and to prevent further damage and disability: Some people may experience symptoms such as worsening skin lesions or fever that may be a result of their immune response during treatment that may need to be managed with steroid medications based on the assessment of the specialist treating the patient’s leprosy.

How to prevent leprosy?

There is currently no approved vaccine against leprosy in Singapore.

Preventive measures include:

• Practise good personal hygiene at all times.

• Wash your hands regularly with soap, especially before handling food or eating, after going to the toilet, or when hands are dirty from coughing or sneezing.

• Avoid touching your face, including eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid sharing of food/drinks or eating utensils.

Please refer to Health advice for travellers for additional precautions to take when travelling.