History of Leprosy
Ever since Biblical times, people have been fearful about leprosy. Historically, those affected by leprosy have been cut off from family and friends, driven away from their communities or even killed. Fortunately, the story of those with leprosy today can be quite different.
Although it once existed in Europe, in anywhere from 1 to 2000 BC, it has since faded out and no one really knows why. There are still as many as 24 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America where leprosy still exists as a public health concern, notably Brazil, India, Indonesia and Myanmar. In these areas, it still retains its moniker "The Living Death."
Leprosy is no longer a health concern in North America but it may be surprising to learn that even Canada has struggled with leprosy in its past. Leprosy first came to Canada primarily through immigration; it is also thought to have been brought through infected sailors as well. The disease existed in Canada from the 19th century until the mid 20th century. Even then, the stigma and fear drove people to cruel acts.
During this time, anyone with leprosy was sent to one of two places - D'Arcy Island off the coast of British Columbia or Sheldrake Island, a government-determined lazaretto near New Brunswick. D'Arcy Island was reserved for "Chinese lepers", where they were provided with food and basic supplies but were essentially left, uncared for and alone to die. The lazaretto in New Brunswick was designated for the "white lepers". The men, women and children confined here endured the same treatment and many tried to escape.
Today leprosy is rare in Canada and is brought in through immigration in small numbers. Tropical disease units of major hospitals usually treat such cases. Medical professionals describe the disease as only "mildly infectious" and up to 95% of the world's population is naturally immune. Leprosy is not a public health concern in Canada and is, thankfully, a part of Canada's past.
Leprosy: Modern History
- 1873 - Dr. Armaur Hansen of Norway discovers M. leprae bacilli, indicating for the first time that leprosy was not a curse brought upon people for evil deeds, as it was previously believed.
- 1950's - Doctors begin using the drug Dapsone to treat leprosy.
- 1982 - Leprosy develops resistance to Dapsone. World Health Organization (WHO) recommends Multi-Drug Therapy of Dapsone, Rifampicin and Clofazimine. TLM adopts the use of this new successful drug blend, which is fully effective against leprosy.
Since 1982, MDT has made a dramatic impact in the fight against leprosy. Consider the fact that in 1985 leprosy was considered a health problem in 122 countries (a prevalence of 1 in 10,000 or better). That number dropped to 24 in 2000 and had dropped even lower to 9 as of 2004. MDT is currently available free of charge in all endemic countries, not just those with the greatest risk.
Work has been progressing steadily towards a vaccination for leprosy. American Leprosy Missions, along with the support of TLM Canada, is continuing to help fund research through the Infectious Disease Research Institute in Seattle, Washington, USA.
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