The truth about leprosy transmission

Although many believe that leprosy is a highly contagious disease, medical facts prove quite the opposite. Leprosy is not transmitted through touch, shared meals, or normal coexistence, but rather requires prolonged and direct contact with an infected person who has not yet started treatment. Once treatment begins, transmission stops almost completely, and dealing with the patient becomes safe.

Additionally, a person's immunity plays a major factor. According to a report from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), more than 95% of people have natural immunity against the disease, which means that fear of the patient is unjustified.

Therefore, fear of the patient is not necessary, but what should be feared is ignorance of information that leads to isolating patients from society. Many patients have suffered for years due to misconceptions; they were deprived of work, education, and even human contact, despite being completely non-contagious after starting treatment.

At the Friends of Leprosy Patients Foundation, we work to correct misconceptions and raise awareness that leprosy is a treatable disease and non-contagious after starting treatment. We support patients on their journey toward treatment and integration into society with dignity and safety... Your charity is support for others.