Leprosy: The Slow Onset Disease
Leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium leprae, is known for its slow onset and long incubation period. It may take up to 20 years for symptoms to appear, although the average incubation period is five years. This debilitating disease primarily affects various parts of the body, including the skin, eyes, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and peripheral nerves.
Fortunately, with the help of multidrug therapy, doctors have been able to successfully treat leprosy. However, if left untreated, the disease can lead to progressive and irreversible damage to the eyes, skin, nerves, and limbs.
Rabies: A Deadly Viral Disease
Rabies is a highly contagious viral disease that is prevalent in over 150 countries and territories worldwide. Unfortunately, once clinical symptoms manifest, the disease is almost always fatal. It is predominantly transmitted to humans through the bites of infected domestic dogs, accounting for approximately 99% of cases. The majority of rabies-related deaths, amounting to over 95%, are concentrated in Africa and Asia.