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.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
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 Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
'Why would anyone look to the United States as a model?'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Kristi Noem and the politics of puppy killing
Talking Point Revelations in Republican's upcoming memoir may have doomed her political career
By The Week UK Published
-
Death toll in Brazil flooding tops 100
Speed Read The record rainfall is linked to El Niño, which has been exacerbated by climate change
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The bird flu fight is faltering
Talking Points Are pandemic lessons going unheeded?
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Immunotherapy and hay fever
The Explainer Research shows that the treatment could provide significant relief from symptoms for many hay fever sufferers
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
Lead poisoning remains a threat
The Explainer The toxin is built into our lives
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Texas dairy worker gets bird flu from infected cow
Speed Read The virus has been spreading among cattle in Texas, Kansas, Michigan and New Mexico
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Dengue hits the Americas hard and early
Speed Read Puerto Rico has declared an epidemic as dengue cases surge
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The alarming rise of cancer in young people
Under the radar Cancer rates are rising, and the cause is not clear
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
US bans final type of asbestos
Speed Read Exposure to asbestos causes about 40,000 deaths in the U.S. each year
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Our microbiome is social like us
The Explainer Microbes can be friendly too
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published