01501nas a2200157   4500000000100000008004100001653001200042653002500054653001200079100001200091245007400103300001200177490000700189520113300196022001401329       2018                            d10aleprosy10aCarville Leprosarium10aAmerica1 aAtkin N00aFrom isolation to prosperity: Rediscovering the Carville Leprosarium.  a421-4250 v363 a<p>For centuries, patients afflicted with the peripheral nerve damaging disease, leprosy-sometimes referred to as Hansen's Disease-were excluded from society and harshly stigmatized. Such stigmatization often stemmed from the belief that the disease was a punishment by G-d for wrongdoing. Leprosy's origins remain rooted throughout various European countries; however, the disease established its presence in North America around the late 18th century. In particular, major port cities that experienced high volume trade, such as New Orleans, were most susceptible to infection. In response to the ensuing Louisiana leprosy endemic, various medical pioneers established the first hospital in America dedicated solely to the treatment of lepers, the Carville Leprosarium. The World Health Organization's treatment recommendation, multidrug therapy, is one of many lifesaving discoveries made at the facility located nearly 70 miles north of New Orleans. Since opening in 1894, the Carville Leprosarium has treated hundreds of Americans infected with Mycobacterium leprae, the disease-causing agent responsible for leprosy.</p>
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