10 Leprosy Symptoms
Article Sources
- 1. 'Leprosy.' NORD, rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/leprosy
- 2. 'Leprosy.' DermNet NZ, dermnetnz.org/topics/leprosy
- 3. 'Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) Signs and Symptoms.' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/leprosy/symptoms/index.html
- 4. 'Leprosy Frequently Asked Questions.' American Leprosy Missions, 9 Mar. 2021, www.leprosy.org/leprosy-faqs
- 5. 'The Impact of Leprosy on the Mental Wellbeing of Leprosy-Affected Persons and Their Family Members - a Systematic Review.' Global Mental Health (Cambridge, England), Cambridge University Press, 9 June 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7379324
Muscle Weakness
Leprosy symptoms can take around three to five years to appear after contact with the bacteria that causes the disease, and it could take up to 20 years before symptoms appear in some individuals. The period between bacteria contact and the onset of symptoms is known as the incubation period.
Muscle weakness and paralysis develop from the nerve damage caused by the disease. This commonly occurs in the hands and feet. In severe cases, it can lead to clawing of the fingers and toes.
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