Leprosy: The disease and its history

The history of leprosy goes back to as long as history can retrace. The earliest mentions of the disease were found on Egyptian papyruses dated 1550 BC. Later, the Indian writings from around 600 BC have also identified a disease that resembles leprosy to a greater extent. The European records trace back the disease to the times of Alexander the Great and then again in the troupe of Pompeii returning from Asia Minor to Rome, dating to about 62 BC.

During those times, leprosy was considered a punishment from God and the patients had to live in a tremendous stigma. The family of the patient could also be out-casted because the disease was considered to be hereditary. The patients in Europe had to wear special clothing so as to identify themselves from the rest of the crowd. They needed to ring warning bells when they were near by and walk on the road as per the direction of the wind.

The situations have not improved too much even today in spite of all our scientific endeavors. The leprosy patients are mostly treated in different hospitals. Leprosarium has been formed so that the patients do not come in contact with “healthy” individuals. To the horror of all those sufferers, leprosy has inspired art and cultural practices too.

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