Leprosy is common in many countries in the world, and in temperate, tropical, and subtropical climates. Approximately 270 cases per year are diagnosed in the United States. Most cases are limited to the South, California, Hawaii, and U.S. island possessions. Effective medications have made the existence of leper colonies unnecessary. Recently, the emergence of drug-resistant mycobacteria leprae has caused increased concern about this disease.
Prevention consists of avoiding close physical contact with untreated people.
Early treatment limits damage by the disease, renders the person noninfectious, and allows for a normal lifestyle. Call your health care provider if signs or symptoms described here occur, especially following exposure. Leprosy can cause severe deformity if left untreated. Here, the patient has lost most of the fingers. This type of deformity is no longer seen, as medications are available to stop the disease before it becomes this damaging.