Molokai
Molokai
Molokai (pronounced: mo-lo-ka-ee) is an island in the Hawaiian archipelago, known for its significant role in the history of leprosy treatment.
Etymology
The name "Molokai" is of Hawaiian origin, though its exact etymology is unclear. Some sources suggest it means "the gathering place," while others propose it means "long island."
History
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Molokai was home to the Kalaupapa Leprosy Settlement, where individuals diagnosed with leprosy (also known as Hansen's disease) were forcibly isolated from the rest of society. This was done in an attempt to control the spread of the disease.
Related Terms
- Leprosy: A chronic, progressive bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the nerves of the extremities, the skin, the lining of the nose, and the upper respiratory tract.
- Kalaupapa National Historical Park: A United States National Historical Park located in Kalaupapa, Hawai'i County, Hawaii, which preserves the experiences and commemorates the history of people affected by leprosy in the United States.
- Hansen's disease: Another name for leprosy, named after Gerhard Armauer Hansen, a Norwegian physician, who discovered the leprosy-causing bacteria in 1873.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Molokai
- Wikipedia's article - Molokai
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