1946 — Leprosy (Hansen’s disease), infectious and parasitic diseases code 23        —     16

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Nov 15, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–16  US Public Health Service. Vital Statistics…[US] 1946, Part I…Mortality Data…, p. 105.[1]

Narrative Information

CDC: “Hansen’s disease (also known as leprosy) is an infection caused by slow-growing bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. It can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and lining of the nose (nasal mucosa). With early diagnosis and treatment, the disease can be cured. People with Hansen’s disease can continue to work and lead an active life during and after treatment.

 

“Leprosy was once feared as a highly contagious and devastating disease, but now we know it doesn’t spread easily and treatment is very effective. However, if left untreated, the nerve damage can result in crippling of hands and feet, paralysis, and blindness.

 

“Transmission…. It is not known exactly how Hansen’s disease spreads between people. Scientists currently think it may happen when a person with Hansen’s disease coughs or sneezes, and a healthy person breathes in the droplets containing the bacteria. Prolonged, close contact with someone with untreated leprosy over many months is needed to catch the disease.

 

“You cannot get leprosy from a casual contact with a person who has Hansen’s disease like:

  • Shaking hands or hugging
  • Sitting next to each other on the bus
  • Sitting together at a meal

“Hansen’s disease is also not passed on from a mother to her unborn baby during pregnancy and it is also not spread through sexual contact.

 

“Due to the slow-growing nature of the bacteria and the long time it takes to develop signs of the disease, it is often very difficult to find the source of infection.

 

“In the southern United States, some armadillos are naturally infected with the bacteria that cause Hansen’s disease in people and it may be possible that they can spread it to people. However, the risk is very low and most people who come into contact with armadillos are unlikely to get Hansen’s disease.

 

“For general health reasons, avoid contact with armadillos whenever possible. If you had a contact with an armadillo and are worried about getting Hansen’s disease, talk to your healthcare provider. Your doctor will follow up with you over time and perform periodic skin examinations to see if you develop the disease. In the unlikely event that you have Hansen’s disease, your doctor can help you get treatment.

 

“Who Is at Risk?

 

“In the U.S., Hansen’s disease is rare. Around the world, as many as 2 million people are permanently disabled as a result of Hansen’s disease.

 

“Overall, the risk of getting Hansen’s disease for any adult around the world is very low. That’s because more than 95% of all people have natural immunity to the disease….”

 

Sources

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy).” Accessed 10-21-2022 at: https://www.cdc.gov/leprosy/transmission/index.html

 

United States Public Health Service, Federal Security Agency. Vital Statistics of the United States 1946, Part I, Natality and Mortality Data for the United States. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1948. Accessed 11-15-2023 at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsus/VSUS_1946_1.pdf

 

[1] General Tables – Deaths From Each Cause. Table 5.– Deaths From Each Cause, by Specified Race and Sex…1946.