On July 15, Mr. Joseph Kulandhai Raj, the health inspector in the Public Health Department (PHD) visited Rosary Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Santhome for an awareness programme on leprosy. It is a national programme. The PHD visits schools all over India. Dr.Yogalakshmi is in charge for Chennai city.
Mr. Joseph began his speech by talking about the skin diseases which are very common during summer. He talked about two main things to be followed to get rid of skin diseases. We must have a proper bath twice a day and must eat a balanced diet which includes fruits and vegetables.
On talking about leprosy, Mr. Joseph stated that leprosy is an air-borne disease. It is a very ancient disease. During ancient times, people believed that leprosy was caused due to the curse of God. But Leprosy is caused due to the inhalation of contaminated air.
Leprosy is caused by Microbacterium Leprae. This bacterium affects the nerves. It occupies a place under the epiderm of the skin. This causes the formation of red or white patches and there is no sensation in the patches.
Mr. Joseph confirmed that all white or red patches are not leprosy. The incubation period of the bacterium takes many years.
Leprosy is not a contagious disease. Only 2% of Leprosy is contagious. 98% of Leprosy is non-contagious. There is no vaccine for leprosy but treatment is available for Leprosy for a period of six months to a year according to the severeness of the disease.
Finally, Mr. Joseph cleared the doubts of the students and a check-up for leprosy was done. The students who had white or red patches consulted him.