Jordan became the first leprosy-free country

Why in news?

• Recently Jordan became the first country to be free from leprosy
• The World Health Organization declared Jordan as the first country in the world to eradicate leprosy

Leprosy

• Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease
  • It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae.
• These bacteria grow very slowly and it can take up to 20 years for symptoms of infection to develop.
• Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease (NTD).
• Leprosy is also called Hansen's disease, after the scientist who discovered it.
• Leprosy affects the nerves, skin, eyes and the lining of the nose (nasal mucosa).
• The bacteria are transmitted through droplets from the nose and mouth during sustained contact.
• The disease is not spread through casual contact such as shaking hands or hugging a person with leprosy, eating together, or sitting next to each other.

Symptoms

• Painless blisters on the soles of the feet.
• Numbness of the affected areas of skin.
• Muscle weakness or paralysis.
• Shortening of toes and fingers.
• Burning sensation in the skin.

Treatment

• Leprosy is an incurable disease, currently its recommended treatment consists of three drugs – dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine.
  • The combination of these is known as multi-drug therapy (MDT).
  • MDT kills the pathogen and cures the patient.
• Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of leprosy can help prevent disability.

Jordan

• Jordan is a country located in Southwest Asia
• It borders Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Iraq, Israel and Syria
• The Jordan River forms the border between Israel and Jordan
• Capital – Amman
• Currency – Jordanian Dinar (JOD).