Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae that affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes. If untreated, it can lead to nerve damage, loss of sensation, muscle weakness, and visible physical changes. Despite its long history of fear and misunderstanding, leprosy is only mildly contagious and is fully curable today with effective antibiotic treatment. In the 1890s, medical knowledge about leprosy was limited, and many societies believed the