How is leprosy contracted?
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The bacteria, Mycobacterium leprae
Leprosy is caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium leprae. A human can contract it through contact with an infected, untreated person. The bacteria are spread through droplets from the nose and mouth. As the incubation period of the bacteria can be as long as 20 years, it is sometimes hard to determine when and from whom you caught the disease. Also, the bacteria can live outside of the human body for a few days to a few weeks. Once a person has been treated for leprosy, they are no longer contagious.
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