Friday, September 15 2023 | 03:30 WIB
Antara/WDP
Illustration of a leper.
Jakarta, Beritasatu.com – Leprosy, or better known as Morbus Hansen, is an infectious disease that has been around for a long time. Chair of the Morbus Hansen Study Group, Association of Indonesian Dermatology and Venereology Specialists, Dr. Dr. Sri Linuwih SW Menaldi, SpKK(K), FINSDV, FAADV, gave an interview that dismantled the myths surrounding immunity to leprosy.
He stated that there was no specific immunity to leprosy, so a person could contract the disease again after recovery.
“Other diseases are like that too. Because there is no special immunity for them, they can get infected again. Actually, they can recover, they can get sick again, that’s possible,” said Dr Sri on Thursday (14/9/2023).
He emphasized further that leprosy recurrence does not mean that those who experience disability due to this disease will continue to suffer from the disease for the rest of their lives. He described that leprosy is part of a disease from the past or a residual disease, and people who experience disabilities can still be empowered, according to their abilities.
“The stigma of leprosy, being disabled, you don’t have to do anything, you can’t even get a job, you can’t even go to school. People with leprosy should not be ostracized,” he stressed.
Regarding the transmission of leprosy, Dr Sri explained that the bacteria that cause this disease can be in the nasal cavity and are transmitted through droplets or respiratory fluids, nasal or mouth mucus, similar to the transmission of COVID-19. Therefore, leprosy can be transmitted through prolonged and close contact, which not only includes physical touching, but also involves breathing air together for a long and close time.
“So, depending on the number of bacteria that can enter the body and a person’s immune system, it really determines the level of leprosy transmission,” he explained.
In terms of prevention, Dr Sri revealed that leprosy is the same as other infectious diseases which can be prevented by implementing clean and healthy living habits (PHBS) and strengthening the immune system, one of which is by maintaining a balanced diet.
“The main prevention is that if one person is infected, then their immediate family must also be tested. If there is a risk of transmission, we can give preventive medicine, or if it is confirmed positive, we will provide treatment,” he added.
Furthermore, if a family member is diagnosed with leprosy, Dr Sri recommends immediately taking him to the doctor to get proper treatment.
“If they are treated immediately, the bacteria that cause leprosy can easily die with just one treatment. Most of the bacteria will die, and we just need to finish the rest,” he added.
Thus, correct knowledge about leprosy and appropriate preventive measures are key to overcoming the stigma surrounding this disease and to ensure that infected individuals receive appropriate care and appropriate support.
2023-09-14 20:30:00
#Doctors #confirm #leprosy #recur #cured
