THE last Sunday of January was commemorated worldwide as World Leprosy Day.  Leprosy was a disease known from very ancient times and was much feared. In the Judeo-Christian tradition it was regarded as a curse from God and this resulted in those affected by the disease being ostracised from society and to generally suffer inhuman treatment.

In the Middle Ages, that is from about 1100 AD to about 1400 AD, sufferers had to go about with clappers and bells to alert others of their presence. At this time also, asylums, that is, places where the poor and leprosy sufferers could be housed were established all over Europe by the Catholic Church.  In these asylums there was always a priest or monk who was devoted to helping lepers. These men of God administered whatever medicines they had and fed them.

In addition to the belief that the disease was a curse from God, there grew up a large number of superstitions around the disease. Among these were that the disease was highly infectious, that it was incurable and that it was hereditary. This body of superstitions resulted in irrational prejudices. For example, in choosing a marriage partner, the marriage would never take place if it was rumoured that an ancestor of either of the parties was infected with the disease.

Over the millenia, many treatments had been put forward, some of them grotesque. For example, in ancient Egypt, it was believed that smearing the skin with the blood of children or a virgin was a cure. Strangely, this belief continued until the 18th century. In Roman times, it was believed that snake venom was a cure. In the 19th century, British doctors and scientists went to India and began researching into Indian medicine.

In the ancient Ayurvedic writings, they found that Chaulmoogra oil was described as an effective treatment. After doing their experiments, they found that Chaulmoogra was indeed effective in many cases. In 1854 it was adopted in Western medicine and for a century until the 1940’s it was the main treatment.

In the 1940’s sulphur drugs replaced it. In the 1960’s and 1970’s a combination of Clofazimine, Rifampicin and Dapsone became the main treatment. So far, no conclusive cure has been discovered. Though no final cure has been discovered, modern treatments have generally stabilised the disease and if treated early enough, a cure may be effected.

Since Dr Gerhardt Hansen, the Norwegian scientist, discovered in 1873 the germ which causes leprosy, the myths and superstitions surrounding the disease have been dying away. To-day, for example, no one believes that the disease was a curse from God.  Since the terms “leper” and “leprosy” are burdened with so many negative undertones, the term ‘Hansen’s Disease’ has replaced them.

In Guyana, the Colonial Administration extended the same levels of basic treatment as obtained in Britain. A special leprosy hospital was established at Mahaica and for decades the legendary Dr. Rose served as medical superintendent.  For some years now, the Mahaica Hospital had been closed and the clinic transferred to the Palms in Brickdam, Georgetown with Dr Heather Morris-Wilson as Director,

In addition to treating sufferers from the disease, the Clinic has the responsibility of educating the public on various aspects of the disease and intensify their efforts on World Leprosy Day. In their Education Programme, they use both print and electronic media as well as visiting the schools and speaking with the children and teachers.

The schools and other members of the public are instructed how to identify the first symptoms of the disease. Dr Morris-Wilson describes the first symptoms: “The first clinical signs that indicate leprosy is a noticeable rash on the skin when there is loss of feeling or sensation. The rash can develop on any part of the body.  In addition to skin rashes, there could also be a tingling sensation in the hands and feet and a burning sensation of the skin because the disease affects nerves.”

If the condition is allowed to go on without timely treatment, one’s body becomes weaker, the hands and feet may be paralysed and one may begin to go blind.
Since leprosy tends to be more prevalent among those who live in poor housing and generally insanitary conditions with polluted water supply, people who live in such conditions should try to relocate, but in any case, they must try to clean their homes and surroundings.

The Clinic recorded 67 cases of leprosy last year.  Many countries have completely eradicated the disease and with persistent effort, Guyana could well achieve this desirable goal.