[HANSEN'S DISEASE IN ISRAEL].

INTRODUCTION: Hansen's disease (HD) is an anthropophylic, infectious, chronic disease, caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The systemic disease, affecting both males and females at any age, involves mainly the skin and the peripheral nerves located in the limbs close to the skin. Traditionally the treatment of HD patients was entrusted to dermatologists. Current drug therapy given at an early stage can prevent many of the complications, and enables patients to go on with life. In 95% of the population there is an innate immunity, which following exposure, enables the development of an effective immune response preventing the development of overt clinical disease. So far, there is neither an effective vaccination nor a simple test which can predict susceptibility to the infection. A long history of ignorance and stigmatization may add a social dimension to the physical ailment and suffering of HD patients. Despite the elimination campaign declared by the WHO in the early 1990s, the disease continues to exist. New patients are diagnosed each year, though in lower numbers and HD patients can be found all over the world. The relatively low prevalence of HD in non-endemic countries and the misconception that it has been eradicated long ago, make the awareness to the disease extremely poor. HD is usually not included in the differential diagnosis even when clear symptoms are present. This results in a very late diagnosis of new HD patients, thus missing the window of opportunity for early treatment which could prevent complications and disability. The purpose of this update is to raise awareness to the existence of HD in Israel and its diagnosis, to present updated epidemiological data for Israel and a glimpse at the global situation.