Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, remains one of the most misunderstood diseases in India. Despite major advances in medicine and public health, fear and stigma continue to surround the disease. Many people still believe that leprosy spreads easily through touch, sharing food, or living together. These misconceptions lead to social isolation of patients and delay in seeking treatment. In reality, leprosy is a completely curable disease and is not highly contagious.
India has made remarkable progress in leprosy control over the last few decades, yet the country continues to report the highest number of new cases globally. According to the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP), India accounts for nearly 60% of the world’s new leprosy cases each year. The annual new case detection rate in India remains around 1.0 per 10,000 population, with higher prevalence reported from states such as Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. The disease is more common in economically disadvantaged communities where overcrowding, poor awareness, and delayed access to healthcare contribute to continued transmission.
Leprosy is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It mainly affects the skin and peripheral nerves and, if left untreated for a long time, can lead to deformities and disability. However, the disease spreads very slowly and requires prolonged, close, and untreated contact for transmission. Casual contact such as shaking hands, sitting together, working together, sharing food, or sharing clothes does not spread leprosy.
Scientific evidence shows that more than 95% of people have natural immunity against leprosy. Even among those who come into contact with a patient, only a small proportion develop the disease. Transmission usually occurs through repeated exposure to nasal droplets from an untreated patient over a long period. Once multidrug therapy (MDT) is started, the patient becomes non-infectious within a few days.
One of the main reasons leprosy continues to be feared in India is the visible deformities seen in advanced cases. These deformities develop only when the disease remains untreated for many years. With early diagnosis and timely treatment, nerve damage and disability can be completely prevented. Today, leprosy is fully curable with WHO-recommended multidrug therapy, which is provided free of cost at all government health facilities under the NLEP.
When should a person visit a doctor?
A doctor should be consulted immediately if any of the following symptoms are noticed:
White, pale, or reddish skin patches with reduced or absent sensation
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
Weakness of muscles or difficulty holding objects
Repeated wounds or burns that go unnoticed
Any skin patch that does not feel pain, heat, or touch should be examined by a health professional.
What should be done if someone comes in contact with a leprosy patient?
There is no need to panic. Casual contact is completely safe. Family members and close contacts should undergo screening by health workers, which is routinely done under the NLEP. Maintaining good hygiene, balanced nutrition, and general health helps strengthen immunity. Once a patient starts MDT, they no longer spread the disease.
What should not be done?
Do not isolate or socially boycott the patient
Do not avoid sharing food, utensils, or clothes
Do not deny employment, education, or housing
Do not believe myths and rumours
Leprosy patients deserve dignity, respect, and equal opportunities in society.
How can leprosy be prevented in India?
Prevention depends mainly on early detection, prompt treatment, and awareness. Active case detection campaigns, contact screening, and community education are key components of India’s leprosy control strategy. The BCG vaccine, given routinely under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), also provides partial protection against leprosy.
The greatest barrier to leprosy elimination in India is not the lack of medicines, but social stigma. Fear of discrimination forces many patients to hide their symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and disability. Awareness and acceptance are therefore essential to achieve a leprosy-free India.
Leprosy is a medical condition like any other infection. It is not a curse, not a punishment, and not a reason for social exclusion. With proper treatment, patients can live normal, healthy, and productive lives.
By spreading awareness, encouraging early treatment, and supporting affected individuals, we can eliminate stigma and move closer to the national goal of a leprosy-free India.