Leprosy could be endemic in central Florida, CDC warns


Cases of leprosy are surging in Florida, and a new study released Tuesday said that the rare disease may be endemic in the state's central region.
The study, published in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Emerging Infectious Diseases journal, found that cases of leprosy have "more than doubled in the southeastern states over the last decade." Of these cases, central Florida "accounted for 81% of cases reported in Florida and almost one-fifth of nationally reported cases." This evidence "[suggests] that central Florida represents an endemic location for leprosy," the study said, meaning that the disease occurs regularly in the region instead of cases being seen sporadically.
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is "an infection caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae," according to the CDC. The disease "can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and lining of the nose" and "can result in paralysis of hands and feet" if left untreated.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The CDC noted that leprosy is highly treatable and very rare in the United States, with only about 150 people across the U.S. contracting it each year. Recently, though, Florida has seen disproportionate case levels, with at least 15 already being reported in central Brevard County alone, according to WESH-TV.
Part of what makes leprosy dangerous is that it is unclear how the disease spreads. It is thought to occur when someone with leprosy "coughs or sneezes, and a healthy person breathes in the droplets containing the bacteria," the CDC said. However, catching the disease requires "close contact with someone with untreated leprosy over many months."
The total case count in central Florida is "still relatively super low," Dr. Rajiv Nathoo, one of the study's authors, told CNN, and being endemic only means the disease is seen regularly, not that the actual rates are climbing.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
Why does Donald Trump want Greenland?
The Explainer Trump is not the only US president who has tried to gain control of Greenland
By The Week UK Published
-
Crossword: March 29, 2025
The Week's daily crossword puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
Sudoku medium: March 29, 2025
The Week's daily medium sudoku puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
Measles outbreak spreads, as does RFK Jr.'s influence
Speed Read The outbreak centered in Texas has grown to at least three states and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is promoting unproven treatments
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The strange phenomenon of beard transplants
In The Spotlight Inquiries for the procedure have tripled since 2020, according to one clinician, as prospective patients reportedly seek a more 'masculine' look
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Poor sleep may make you more prone to believing conspiracy theories
Under the radar Catch z's for society
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
RFK Jr. offers alternative remedies as measles spreads
Speed Read Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. makes unsupported claims about containing the spread as vaccine skepticism grows
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Texas outbreak brings 1st US measles death since 2015
Speed read The outbreak is concentrated in a 'close-knit, undervaccinated' Mennonite community in rural Gaines County
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Mystery illness spreading in Congo rapidly kills dozens
Speed Read The World Health Organization said 53 people have died in an outbreak that originated in a village where three children ate a bat carcass
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Ozempic can curb alcohol cravings, study finds
Speed read Weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may also be helpful in limiting alcohol consumption
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
How Trump's executive orders are threatening scientific research
In the spotlight Agencies are purging important health information
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published