A dermatologist says members of the public should be wary of leprosy, as a disease that is difficult to detect. Dr Niita Haitembu says the loss of eyebrows, lashes and hair are among the signs of leprosy's onset. She made the remarks recently as part of an awareness campaign about the ancient disease, known to be as old as the Biblical times. Namibia's only known cases of leprosy are at a village in Zambezi Region. Dermatologist Nurse Apollonia Aies says the illness can be treated in a period of six months to a year. Some of the highlighted side effects of leprosy treatment include a change in skin colour, in urine and a skin rash. The disease affects the body's nervous system. Dr Haitembu says toes and nails start falling off in the very last stages of leprosy. The skin doctor says the disease is transmitted through droplets from the nose and mouth during close and frequent contact with untreated cases. Leprosy can cause disability if not treated early.