Leprosy is a infectious disease but less infectious than pulmonary tuberculosis.

If not detected and treated early, 10%-15% of patients develop sensory-motor disabilities of hands, feet and eyes.(Non-Communicable component of Public health program)

www.who.int/lep/disease/disease.htm

The disease causing germs Mycobacterium leprae were discovered in 1873. Specific treatment-DAPSONE was available only after 1950.