Srilanka, Jan. 30 -- A total of 1,800 leprosy cases were reported in Sri Lanka within a year, with 12% of the patients being children under the age of 15.

Health authorities stated that leprosy is caused by bacteria, and about 6% of patients still have visible injuries.

Experts warn the importance of early identification and public awareness to prevent the disease from spreading.

Meanwhile, though leprosy has a specific cure, many patients face social discrimination due to myths and misunderstandings about the disease.

Consultant Community Physician of the Anti-Leprosy Campaign, Dr. Dilini Wijesekara, stated that according to the World Health Organization, a person can contract leprosy if they stay close to an infected person for ov...