Bacteria Scenario: Leprosy

[AnimalM5ba]

Leprosy (“lepry”)

A bacterial infection, transmitted by respiration or contact, leading to disfigurement.

Symptoms: After a variable but possibly years-long period of latency, facial features begin to coarsen and the voice becomes hoarse. Eruptions of the skin and eyes begin as pale spots that turn into red, raised, firm nodules. Skin spots are insensitive to cold, touch, and pain; hands and feet lose feeling and eventually muscle weakness and paralysis set in, usually in the face and hands. Secondary infections of lesions or unnoticed wounds become gangrenous. Blindness often occurs. The nose decays. The hands and feet become clawed.

Results: Eventual, ugly, lingering, friendless death, sometimes taking over 20 years.