Omzien naar leprapatiënten in Nederland

Leprosy was endemic in The Netherlands between 600 and 1700. It is assumed that leprosy spread from India to the Mediterranean countries around 300 B.C. and from there to north-western Europe. Osteo-archeological research and the presence of ancient M. leprae DNA in remnants of leprosy patients support this view. The isolation and the care for leprosy patients in the Dutch medieval leprosaria are described, as well as the improper use of this facility by cheating. As from 1700 leprosy in the Netherlands is an imported disease. From 1860 till 1972 there have been three institutions in succession, providing accommodation for these patients. The current diagnosis and treatment are briefly discussed. Nowadays the patients have freedom of movement and from 1999 onwards leprosy is no longer a notifiable disease.