Leper colony
Leper Colony
A Leper Colony (pronunciation: /ˈlepər ˈkɒləni/) is a place where people suffering from leprosy are cared for and isolated from the general population. The term originates from the word 'leper', derived from the Greek word 'lepros' meaning 'scaly', and 'colony', from the Latin 'colonia' meaning 'settlement'.
History
The concept of a Leper Colony dates back to ancient times when leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, was highly prevalent and feared due to its contagious nature and lack of effective treatment. These colonies were often located on islands or in remote areas to prevent the spread of the disease. Some of the most famous leper colonies include Spinalonga in Greece, Kalaupapa in Hawaii, and Carville in Louisiana.
Modern Day
In the modern era, with the advent of effective treatments for leprosy, the need for leper colonies has significantly decreased. However, some colonies still exist, primarily in developing countries where access to healthcare is limited. These colonies now serve more as rehabilitation centers, providing medical care, education, and vocational training to affected individuals.
Related Terms
- Leprosy: A chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, characterized by skin lesions and nerve damage.
- Hansen's disease: Another name for leprosy, named after Gerhard Armauer Hansen, who discovered the bacterium that causes the disease.
- Spinalonga: An island in Greece that was one of the last active leper colonies in Europe.
- Kalaupapa: A small village in Hawaii that was a leper colony for individuals with Hansen's disease.
- Carville: A small town in Louisiana that was the only in-patient hospital in the U.S for people with leprosy.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Leper colony
- Wikipedia's article - Leper colony
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