Leprosy Patient Treated at Vienna General Hospital

The likely first case of leprosy in Austria in a long time is currently causing a stir at the Vienna AKH. As reported by the "Kronen Zeitung" (Saturday edition), a patient was admitted there for "lepromatous leprosy." According to the report, the 60-year-old Viennese man probably contracted the disease while traveling abroad. As the hospital explained to the APA, the man is now receiving outpatient treatment.

Vienna AKH treated 60-year-old leprosy patient

"It started with slight paralysis in the soles of my feet," the newspaper quoted the man, who according to his own statements works in the travel industry. At first, he believed they would disappear on their own. "But the numb spots actually increased over time," he recalled to the daily newspaper. "Eventually, my ears and nose were affected." After several fruitless doctor visits, he called a friend who is a doctor in Berlin in April, who raised the corresponding suspicion. He then went to the AKH, where leprosy was indeed diagnosed.

Disease considered eradicated in Europe

Leprosy is considered eradicated in Europe and has been fully curable for many years now. According to the Ministry of Health, the disease mainly occurs in rural areas of Southeast Asia, China, tropical Africa, and South America. Isolated cases are also known from the southern USA, Hawaii, and some Pacific islands. The number of new infections has been declining worldwide for decades.

In an infection, the nerve pathways are often destroyed, which means injuries are not noticed and then become chronically inflamed. As a result, the typical disabilities in the hands and feet occur.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.