infections
Leprosy
Prevention of Leprosy
Because leprosy is not very contagious, risk of spread is low. Only the untreated lepromatous form is contagious, although even then the infection is not easily spread. Once treatment has begun, leprosy cannot be spread. The best way to prevent leprosy is to Avoid contact with bodily fluids from and the rash on infected people. Avoid contact with armadillos. People who are contacts of people who have leprosy and who are over 2 years of age can be given a single dose of the antibiotic rifampicin as preventive treatment. This drug is given only after doctors have ruled out leprosy and tuberculosis and have determined that people have no other issues that would prevent them from taking the drug. The BCG (bacille Calmette-Guérin) vaccine, used to prevent tuberculosis, provides some protection against leprosy, but it is not often used to prevent leprosy. 