According to a recent report published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), experts are warning that leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, may now be endemic in Florida. Surprisingly, from 2015 to 2020, 34% of new cases in the United States were acquired locally without the traditional risk factor of international travel. The number of new cases has been slowly rising in the US for the past 20 years, particularly in southeastern states, with 81% of new cases reported in central Florida in 2020.
Dr. Aaron Glatt, an infectious diseases expert, emphasizes that leprosy is not as contagious as many people believe. The CDC has not issued any travel advisory regarding Hansen’s disease in the US. While the disease remains rare in the country, it is important to recognize and treat it as soon as possible.
Leprosy is a chronic disease primarily affecting the skin and nerves. Dr. Jessica K. Fairley, director of Emory Hansen’s Disease Program, explains that it is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae, which infects the nerves, making it hard to contract even when exposed to individuals with the infection. The disease can take up to 20 years to develop signs, but the average time from infection to symptoms is around five years.
In the past, leprosy was stigmatized as a punishment for sin, but modern medicine has proven that it is fully curable and treatable with antibiotics. People cannot contract leprosy through casual contact, such as shaking hands or sitting next to someone for a meal. While the disease is more prevalent in countries like India, Brazil, and Indonesia, where it is widespread, the majority of new cases in the US are reported in states like Arkansas, California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, New York, and Texas.
It is important to dispel misconceptions around leprosy and encourage early recognition and treatment. The disease does not require isolation, and individuals with leprosy can lead normal lives, including attending school and work, as long as they receive appropriate treatment. Timely diagnosis is crucial to prevent complications, although it is rare for individuals to develop deformities of their hands and feet. Fairley advises avoiding contact with armadillos and their bodily secretions to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.
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