leprosy

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Gandhiji Prem Nivas leprosy centre

leprosy treatment centre at Kalaupapa

The surprising history of Christmas tinsel

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Marina Spelzini, a registered nurse, measures out an H1N1 vaccine shot at the Miami Dade County Health Department downtown clinic on November 3, 2009 in Miami, Florida. (influenza, swine flu)

When Was the Last Pandemic?

People wearing surgical masks (also called face mask or medical masks or safety masks) walk through the city center of Milan, Italy on Feb. 23, 2020. Coronavirus disease COVID-19 pandemic

How Do Face Masks Control the Spread of Disease?

Infographic on the Influenza Pandemic of 1918-19

Influenza Pandemic of 1918–19 Chart

Scanning electron micrograph showing the spiral-shaped bacteria of the genus Leptospira. These organisms cause leptospirosis.

8 Zoonotic Diseases

Hand washing. Healthcare worker washing hands in hospital sink under running water. contagious diseases wash hands, handwashing hygiene, virus, human health

17 Questions About Health and Wellness Answered

Discover

July, 2006, Launch of Space Shuttle Discovery STS-121. See attached for full caption information.

Will Light-Speed Space Travel Ever Be Possible?

Battle of the Alamo from "Texas: An Epitome of Texas History from the Filibustering and Revolutionary Eras to the Independence of the Republic, 1897. Texas Revolution, Texas revolt, Texas independence, Texas history.

6 Wars of Independence

King Cobra snake in Malaysia. (reptile)

9 of the World’s Deadliest Snakes

illustration of the walking titanosaurus, Patagotitan mayorum

Titanosaurs: 8 of the World's Biggest Dinosaurs

African Americans demonstrating for voting rights in front of the White House as police and others watch, March 12, 1965. One sign reads, "We demand the right to vote everywhere." Voting Rights Act, civil rights.

Timeline of the American Civil Rights Movement

Rural Irish landscape, Sligo, Ireland.

Why Is Ireland Two Countries?

Lusitania sinking, illustration from The War of the Nations (New York), December 31, 1919. World War I, WWI. This image is one of three on the page. (See source file for the other two.)

7 of the World’s Deadliest Shipwrecks

leprosy: Facts & Related Content

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Historical Lincoln dig to unearth 500-year-old hospital • Apr. 12, 2025, 12:45 AM ET (BBC)

Facts

Also Known As	Hansen’s disease • Hansen disease

Photos and Videos

Gandhiji Prem Nivas leprosy centre

leprosy treatment centre at Kalaupapa

The surprising history of Christmas tinsel

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Topics

zoonotic disease notifiable disease Mycobacterium leprae chaulmoogra oil bacterial disease cholera tuberculosis plague syphilis anthrax scarlet fever diphtheria gonorrhea whooping cough rheumatic fever

Dig Deeper: More Articles That Discuss This Topic

ear disease: Leprosy

Key People

Baba Amte

Indian lawyer and social activist

Armauer Hansen

Norwegian physician

Quiz

44 Questions from Britannica’s Most Popular Health and Medicine Quizzes

A Yorkshire terrier dressed up as a veterinarian or doctor on a white background. (dogs)

A Visit with the Word Doctor: Medical Vocabulary Quiz