Leprosy is a curable bacterial disease that develops slowly and can affect the skin, nerves, eyes, and upper respiratory tract. Although often misunderstood, it is not highly contagious, cannot be caught through casual contact, and 95% of people worldwide are naturally immune to it. Sadly, the poorest 5% of the global population are disproportionately affected.
Leprosy may lead to changes in sensation or muscle strength when nerves are impacted, which can influence everyday activities. With early diagnosis and multidrug therapy, people are no longer infectious within days and can live full, active lives.
Leprosy can be non-apparent
95% of people are naturally immune to leprosy
Leprosy is not highly contagious and cannot be spread through casual contact
More than 200,000 new cases occur worldwide each year
Early diagnosis and multidrug therapy prevent disability-
The poorest 5% of the global population are disproportionately affected
What is leprosy?
Leprosy is a slow-developing bacterial infection that can impact the nerves in the hands, feet, and face. Nerve involvement may change how someone feels temperature, pain, or touch, and can affect muscle strength or coordination. These impacts are medical in nature and do not reflect the person’s abilities, choices, or character.
Not everyone experiences symptoms in the same way. Some individuals may have mild, subtle changes over time, while others may notice more pronounced effects. With timely diagnosis and treatment, people with leprosy can continue their daily lives, work, and participate fully in their communities.
Common symptoms:
Symptoms vary and can be gradual. They may include a combination of:
- Patches of skin that feel numb or less sensitive
- Tingling, altered sensation, or weakness in hands and feet
- Changes in temperature sensitivity
- Nerve discomfort or visible thickening of nerves
- Dry eyes or reduced blinking
- Reduced grip strength or difficulty with fine motor tasks
Symptoms may look different for each person and may fluctuate over time.
Sources:
- World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/leprosy
- Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy: https://zeroleprosy.org/
- The Leprosy Mission International: https://www.leprosymission.org/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/leprosy/about/index.html
- International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations. (ILEP): https://ilepfederation.org/
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The content on this page has been reviewed by the Leprosy Mission (January 2026). For further information, please visit The Leprosy Mission.
