In the last decade, leprosy had dropped significantly in the country, said Mahshid Nasehi, head of the National Center for Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control at the Health Ministry.
The center’s 2013 data shows that only 16 people were infected by the disease, of which three were Afghans. In other words, the disease prevalence rate is 2 in 10 million people, Alef News Agency quoted her as saying. Leprosy is a chronic infection caused by a specific bacteria. The symptoms include granulomas of the nerves, respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. This may result in a lack of ability to feel pain and thus loss of parts of extremities due to repeated injuries or infection.
