Can you catch leprosy from touching a handrail after leper. Is this seriously medically possible?

The risk of contracting leprosy from touching a handrail after a leper is extremely low, and may even be non-existent. While leprosy, also known as Hansen's Disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae, it is not easily transmissible. It requires prolonged, close contact with an infected individual who is not undergoing treatment.

Transmission mainly occurs through respiratory droplets, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes near someone else. Physical contact with an infected individual's open sores or lesions can also transmit the bacteria, but this type of contact is usually necessary for a significant duration and frequency to result in infection.

Touching a handrail that may have been touched by someone with leprosy does not pose a substantial risk of infection. M. leprae bacteria do not survive well outside the body for long periods, and casual contact with contaminated surfaces is unlikely to lead to infection.

Moreover, modern leprosy treatment with multi-drug therapy is highly effective in killing the bacteria and preventing its transmission. Early detection and treatment greatly reduce the risk of spreading the disease.

If you are concerned about leprosy or have any symptoms, such as persistent skin lesions or nerve damage, it is essential to seek medical attention and proper diagnosis. Your doctor can provide you with accurate information and appropriate guidance based on your individual situation.