Basic hygiene is important for staff and patients alike: washing hands, wearing a mask if the patient has rhinitis, gloves to take samples. Mycobacterium leprae is found in breast milk, but this is not sufficient reason to stop breast feeding. In any cases, it is thought that infectivity quickly drops to zero after the start of combined chemotherapy. Examination of the people in contact with leprosy patients is indicated. The risk of leprosy in the family of lepromatous patients is 5-8 times higher than in the general population. Previously high figures were recorded in leprosaria (in 1930 up to 23% of the children born in these institutions). In the case of contact with multibacillary patients, check-ups for 5 to 7 years are preferable, once per year (including looking for the "numb spot"). Chemoprophylaxis of contacts (rifampicin) is not advised at present. The higher the socio-economic status of a country, the lower the incidence of leprosy (regardless of any leprosy control programmes).

A vaccine is being tested at present, but in view of the good results with polychemotherapy this will probably be or marginal benefit. BCG vaccination provides partial protection.