A brief history about leprosy

Abstract

This is a bibliographical research that aimed to promote an approach to the history of leprosy in the world, focusing on actions planned in Brazil, aiming to reduce the effects of segregation, which has historically been imposed on people with leprosy. Defined as an infectious disease with a chronic evolution, leprosy manifests itself mainly through reported lesions, presenting increased thermal, painful and tactile sensitivity. It is, therefore, a disease that has been known since ancient times. The Holy Bible, as well as several other historical books, such as the Code of Manu, make references to this pathology. Although some researchers claim that leprosy originated on the Asian continent, there is no consensus in the scientific world on this subject. Some studies also indicate that leprosy had its origins in Africa, from where it is found in the Middle East. It should be noted that the lack of a cure and the complete lack of knowledge about the disease made the leper an outcast, someone who had no place in society and who everyone fled for fear of contracting the disease. It is believed that leprosy arrived in Brazil along with the white colonizing element. The first cases of leprosy in Brazil were recorded in 1600, in Rio de Janeiro. Still in the middle of the 17th century, leprosy became a concern for local authorities. And, over the years, several actions have been planned to combat this extremely contagious disease. Over the last three decades, the Ministry of Health has promoted several actions and campaigns, aiming to reduce the incidence of leprosy cases in the country. Despite all the efforts made by the Ministry of Health, Brazil currently ranks 2nd worldwide in the number of absolute cases of leprosy and in some regions high detection and prevalence rates persist.