gnu -

It's now completely cured fairly easily (where treatment is available), although rare enough that early symptoms may not be recognized in time to prevent damage that can't be easily repaired.

If it's known to be present in an area, people - and especially medical practicioners - need to be aware and use appropriate caution.

Re-examining our attitudes and preconceived ideas about it probably would be rewarding for most of the rest of us(?) since the "reality" of the disease has changed quite significantly.

It does remain an "incurable affliction" in some world areas where poverty makes any medical treatment rare, and in some areas where religions have incorporated taboos about it; but in most reasonably developed parts of the world it's just "a bit nasty."

John