Is leprosy contagious?

My NGO will be visiting a Leper Colony as part of our community service next month. As I don’t know much about the disease, I am worried in case I get infected. Kindly advise me on whether to go for the visit or not.

Esther(by SMS)

Again, APC excluded as INEC releases final list of Rivers candidates

Leprosy which is also known as Hansen’s Disease, is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium Leprae. It is transmitted most commonly through coughing and sneezing from an infected person. It mainly affects the skin and nerves and can lead to deformities of a person’s hands or feet.   Leprosy is a slowly degenerative disease, that can take several months to years before its signs and symptoms begin to manifest in an infected person. The incubation period is between 5 to 20 years. With early diagnosis and treatment, the disease can be cured. However, if left untreated, the nerve damage can result in crippling of hands and feet, paralysis, and blindness. People with Hansen’s disease can continue to work and lead an active life during and after treatment. Leprosy was once feared as a highly contagious and devastating disease, but now we know it doesn’t spread easily and treatment is very effective. Therefore, you have nothing to lose by going on a visit to the Leper colony.