LAGAWE, Ifugao – The Ifugao Provincial Health Office continues to raise awareness about Hansen’s disease, also known as leprosy, an infectious skin disease.
Leprosy Program Coordinator Nicanor Tayaban said leprosy is an infection caused by slow-growing bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae, which can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and lining of the nose (nasal mucosa).
This can be transmitted through inhaled droplets from an infected person through sneezing and coughing.
The signs and symptoms include pale or reddish patches on the skin; loss or decrease of sensation in the skin patch; numbness or tingling of the hands or feet; weakness of the hands, feet, or eyelids; painful or tender nerves; swelling or lumps in the face or earlobes; painless wounds or burns on the hands or feet; and no sweat and no hair in the affected skin area.
Tayaban said with early diagnosis and treatment, the disease can be cured.
He added after one month of medication, the disease is no longer transferable. – Florida B. Robles
April 27, 2024
