Leprosy Cases Surge in Florida: CDC Warns of Possible Endemic Status

Florida can’t seem to catch a break.

Recent research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shed light on a concerning trend in the southeastern US, particularly in Florida, where evidence suggests leprosy may have become endemic. 

Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the skin and peripheral nervous system. According to the CDC, the number of reported leprosy cases in the country has doubled over the past decade, with Florida being among the top states reporting cases lacking traditional risk factors.

In the US, leprosy has historically been associated with individuals who immigrated from leprosy-endemic areas. However, the latest data from the National Hansen’s Disease Program reveals that approximately 34% of reported cases between 2015 and 2020 were locally acquired, raising concerns about its endemic status. 

Florida stands out as a hotspot for the disease, with Central Florida alone accounting for nearly 20% of the total national cases. Several new cases in the region showed no clear evidence of exposure to known risk factors, further adding to the complexity of the situation.

The CDC’s research letter recommends that travel to Florida be considered when conducting leprosy contact tracing in any state, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and monitoring. It also calls on physicians to consider leprosy as a possibility when evaluating patients who have traveled to the area, even in the absence of other risk factors.

Leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, a slow-growing bacteria that primarily infects the skin and nerves. Early signs of the disease include pale or slightly red areas on the skin, often accompanied by a loss of sensation in the affected area. If left untreated, leprosy can result in permanent nerve damage and muscle weakness in the hands and feet.

The good news is that leprosy is curable with antibiotics. Patients are typically no longer infectious after a few days of treatment, but due to the bacteria’s slow growth, the treatment can last between one to two years.

Florida also recorded the country’s first locally acquired cases of malaria in two decades. Seven of the eight recorded cases this year, as of July 15th, were in Sarasota County. The other one was in Cameron County in Texas.

Information for this story was found via the Pensacola news Journal, CDC, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

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