They're cured of leprosy. Why do they still live in leprosy colonies?

A doctor visits residents of the Bharathapuram leprosy colony. Even though they are cured of the disease, they have long-term effects — crippled hands, blindness, amputations and, most of all, foot lesions that, if untreated, can become infected.

Leprosy is one of the least contagious diseases around — and perhaps one of the most misunderstood. The colonies are relics of a not-too-distant past when those diagnosed with leprosy were exiled.

(Image credit: Pam Fessler for NPR)