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Leprosy is currently at the endemic stage in the southern region of the United States, particularly in Central Florida. According to a recent report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this chronic infectious disease, also known as Hansen’s disease, has seen a significant increase in cases over the past decade. The CDC’s findings reveal that Florida has one of the highest numbers of leprosy cases in the country.
“Central Florida alone accounts for 81% of reported cases within the state and approximately 20% of cases nationwide,” states the report.
Leprosy is caused by a bacterial infection that primarily affects the nerves, leading to the development of skin lesions and swelling. While the exact mode of transmission is not fully understood, it is believed that prolonged exposure to respiratory droplets from person to person is the most common route of transmission.
The CDC report highlights a case of a 54-year-old man from central Florida who contracted leprosy despite having no known risk factors associated with transmission. The individual had lived in central Florida for his entire life, worked in landscaping, and spent extended periods of time outdoors. He denied any travel history that would have exposed him to previous outbreaks or contact with armadillos, which are carriers of a unique bacterial strain associated with a high percentage of leprosy cases in the southern United States, suggesting the possibility of transmission from animals to humans.
“In summary, our case contributes to the growing body of evidence indicating that central Florida is an endemic area for leprosy,” states the CDC’s report. “Travel to this region, even without other risk factors, should prompt consideration of leprosy in the appropriate clinical context.”
Florida healthcare officials reported over 100 cases of leprosy within a five-year period ending in 2021. The CDC defines an endemic as the constant presence and usual prevalence of a disease or infectious agent within a specific geographic area.
California also reported six cases of leprosy among residents between 2017 and 2022. All individuals affected were born in the United States and did not originate from countries where leprosy remains relatively common. Worldwide, the World Health Organization estimates that over 200,000 people are diagnosed with leprosy each year, primarily in Southeast Asia.
The CDC states that approximately 35% of new leprosy cases reported in the United States between 2015 and 2020 were likely acquired locally.
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