History 2812E Lecture Notes - Father Damien, Black Death, Social Stigma
Document Summary
Leprosy attracted the most attention because it was the most hated and feared. It had resulted from sin so it was a loathsome disease. There was a social etiquette in countries to shun those who were lepers. Lepers had to wear special clothing as well as well as ring bells to warn people they were coming. Sometimes referred to as hansen disease from its founder. Leprosy from what we know is difficult to transmit have to be around someone for an extensive amount of time. The symptoms of leprosy can occur sometimes only after a long period of time. Lesions on body take a long time to heal and can generate numbness claw hands and feet . Blinking reflex can be affected and lead to blindness. Limbs can occasionally fall off (does not occur often in cases of leprosy) It would be very difficult to hide if you had leprosy because of its external symptoms.