Leprosy
Leprosy Playbook
To help infection preventionists quickly activate Leprosy prevention efforts, APIC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases Task Force has created a Leprosy Playbook that IPs can download and customize for use in their facilities. The Playbook is a concise workflow document that is designed to be user-friendly and operational for busy IPs.
About Leprosy
- Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is caused by Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis
- The bacteria primarily affect the skin, peripheral nerves, upper respiratory tract, and eyes
- Transmission requires prolonged, close contact with an untreated person, most often through respiratory droplets
- Casual contact does not spread the disease
- Incubation Period: Typically 2 to 5 years, but can be as long as 20 years
- Early diagnosis and treatment prevent disability and stop transmission
- Leprosy has been recognized since ancient times and remains endemic in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America
- Over 200,000 new cases are reported globally each year, as per the WHO
- In the United States, cases are rare (about 150-200) annually, but Florida has noted an increase in locally acquired infections over the past decade
Current Situation
- Globally, the WHO continues to track cases in endemic regions
- Click here for the most current information regarding Leprosy
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that requires:
- Early recognition and referral to prevent complications and transmission
- Prolonged contact tracing for households and close contacts
- Standard precautions
- Education and stigma reduction affected as individuals often face sole discrimination
APIC Resources and Tools
Click here to download the APIC Leprosy Playbook
- Developed by the APIC Emerging Infectious Diseases Task Force to help infection preventionists activate Leprosy prevention and management efforts
- The playbook is a concise workflow document that is designed to be user-friendly and operational for busy IPs
Click Here to access the APIC Text – Chapter 97: Tuberculosis and other Mycobacteria
- Chapter 97 of the APIC Text provides comprehensive guidance for an infection preventionist on Tuberculosis and other Mycobacteria, including Leprosy
