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When did leprosy begin to decline in much of Europe?

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Sign reading Gandhiji Prem Nivas Leprosy Centre Titagarh conducted by Missionaries of Charity, with a crucifix above the sign on a decorated building facade. — leprosy The Gandhiji Prem Nivas is a center for people with leprosy that was established by Mother Teresa in 1958 and is run by the Missionaries of Charity in Titagarh, India.

In much of Europe, the incidence of leprosy began to decline rather abruptly between 1200 and 1300 CE for reasons that remain unknown.1

While the disease saw a widespread decrease across the continent during this period, it persisted in Scandinavia until the 20th century before eventually disappearing there as well.1