True about epidemiology of leprosy -
Epidemiology of Leprosy Description: Chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and affecting mainly peripheral nerves Leprosy is a disease of 'high Infectivity but low pathogenicity' Attack rate of Leprosy among house hold contacts : 4.4-12% Youngest case of Leprosy in India: 2 1/2 month infant Leprosy is often known as a "Social disease" Is probably the oldest disease known to mankind Mode of transmission Droplet infection (MC) Contact transmission (Direct skin to skin or indirect with soil/fomites) Breast milk from lepromatous mothers Transplacental Insect vectors Tattoing needles Ref: Park 25th edition Pgno : 335
If high prevalence of cases seen in childhood, it means disease is under control
Lepra bacilli cannot survive outside human body
Bacterial load is high in tuberculoid variety
Insect can transmit the disease
Communicable diseases