Cases of leprosy have been on the rise in central Florida, as highlighted in a recent research letter shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The authors of the letter noted that Florida has seen an increase in leprosy cases without the presence of traditional risk factors, leading to the belief that leprosy has become endemic in the southeastern United States. They also emphasized the need for contact tracing in Florida when investigating leprosy cases in other states. Southeastern states have experienced a more than twofold increase in reported leprosy cases over the past decade.
One striking example mentioned in the letter is that of a 54-year-old man from central Florida who was diagnosed with lepromatous leprosy in 2022. The man, who had no known risk factors for leprosy transmission, sought treatment for a painful and progressive rash. Despite no recent travel or exposure to potential sources of infection, the man was found to have contracted leprosy. Lepromatous leprosy is a highly contagious form of the disease characterized by widespread sores and lesions.
It is worth noting that the increase in leprosy cases in historically nonendemic areas like Florida could potentially be attributed to international migration. However, recent reports indicate a decline in the rates of new leprosy diagnoses among individuals born outside the U.S. since 2002. This information has prompted the authors of the letter to call for further research into alternative modes of disease transmission.
The CDC report also highlights the importance of considering leprosy when individuals travel to central Florida, regardless of the presence of other risk factors. Additionally, the absence of traditional risk factors in many Florida cases and the high proportion of outdoor activities among residents support the investigation into environmental reservoirs as possible sources of transmission.
Although leprosy has historically been uncommon in the U.S., it remains a significant global health issue. The World Health Organization reports that leprosy is prevalent in over 120 countries, with more than 200,000 new cases reported annually. Brazil, India, and Indonesia were among the countries with the highest number of new cases in 2019.
In conclusion, the surge in leprosy cases in central Florida raises concerns about the endemic nature of the disease in the southeastern United States. The CDC’s research letter emphasizes the need for enhanced surveillance, investigation, and understanding of leprosy transmission in these areas.
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