Project Sekong 2013: Leprosy, once known as Hansen’s Disease, can be cured but some fear the stigma so they delay treatment

This man, from small village in a remote region of Laos is seeking treatment after his illness has progressed to the point that he has had a leg amputated, his fingers have atrophied, and he is blind in one eye.

It’s especially heart-breaking to meet people in Laos who have lost limbs or vision to leprosy (the illness previously called Hansen’s Disease). Heart-breaking because victims of this disease, if treated promptly, can be spared its ravages.

Patients undergoing treatment, consume three different kinds of antibiotics over a six to twelve month period. The earlier the diagnosis is made and treatment begun, the more positive the outcome. In Laos, treatment is usually paid for with funds provided by a non-government organization (NGO).

Leprosy is caused by a bacterium, Mycobacterium leprae, related to the one that causes tuberculosis, but much slower to reproduce. A person who contracts leprosy may live years before obvious symptoms appear.

As the bacteria associated with leprosy kill nerves, a victim’s muscles atrophy and fingers will begin to curl claw-like. Over time, the person’s body may begin absorbing the calcium in the bones, shrinking fingers into useless nubs.

The earliest signs of the disease are numb patches of skin on the face, hands or feet. Often those desensitized areas become infected due to untreated cuts and burns.

Sadly, victims of leprosy in Laos, like victims in many other parts of the world, are viewed with revulsion. Often, their entire extended family is discriminated against. For this reason, some victims hide their illness until it’s effects become obvious. At that point they may be disfigured, blind, and immobile due to the loss of limbs.