Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by the *bacterium* ***Mycobacterium leprae***. It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, upper respiratory tract, eyes, and testes. While curable, it can lead to permanent disability if left untreated, mainly affecting people in tropical and subtropical regions.
Transmission methods vary. Please consult CDC or WHO resources for specific information.
Contagious Period: Varies by disease
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India remains the highest-burden leprosy country in the world, reporting over 100 000 new cases annually in most recent years and accounting for more than half of global new case detections. Despite achieving WHO’s “elimination as a public health problem” threshold nationally in 2005, persistent new case detection (including child cases and multibacillary disease) in several states shows ongoing transmission and late diagnosis, especially among marginalized communities.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
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Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization
View WHO Resources →Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-03-05
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