I thought leprosy was due to poor sanitation (open sewers).
Leprosy is transferred through contact with an infected person’s tissues or bodily fluids such as mucus. It is also transferred from infected armadillos. They are the only other animal, besides humans, that can carry or transfer the bacteria.
I suppose it could also be transferred through sewage that contains infected bodily fluids (or armadillos!)
It takes 4-20 years, generally, to exhibit symptoms after infection/exposure.
It can be treated with long strong doses of antibiotic.
There are a number of cases reported every year in the US. Cases are mainly in the Southern States due to immigration issues and the increase in the consumption of infected armadillos.
Don’t eat the ‘dillo!