Between 2019 and 2020, the number of reported Hansen’s disease (leprosy) cases across the United States fell. However, there have been an uptick of cases since 2020, especially in areas of the south-eastern United States. The number of cases more recently reported have been extremely high in Central Florida; the CDC reports that 159 people in Central Florida had leprosy in 2020, and cases have continued to rise. As reported by The Guardian, some officials are concerned that leprosy is endemic in Central Florida. 

More worrying is that an estimated one-third of all cases are locally acquired. In the past, leprosy was often found in people who traveled from other countries where this disease is more common. The CDC reports that this disease does not spread quickly or easily between people. Instead, prolonged and close contact with untreated individuals over a period of months is often required. This means that the one-third of people who acquired the disease locally were introduced to the bacteria in their close surroundings. 

Armadillos also carry the bacteria associated with this condition, so avoiding exposure to armadillos is encouraged. In examining one case of a man in his 50s, the man reported that he had not seen or interacted with any armadillos. However, his job required frequent and consistent outdoor work. As a result, the CDC believed that his case resulted from some sort of environmental transmission. 

About Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy)

Commonly referred to as leprosy, Hansen’s disease is a rare bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae. An estimated 250,000 people around the world are affected each year, but this disease is typically uncommon in the United States. Hansen’s disease can take a long time to show symptoms, even up to 20 years. However, early identification and treatment is crucial to preventing long-term complications. Treatment involves a combination of antibiotics over one to two years. 

Symptoms of this infection may include:

• Thickened or stiff skin
• Patches of discolored skin
• Skin nodules
• Painless ulcers on the soles of the feet
• Hair loss in the eyebrows and eyelashes
• Nosebleeds 
• Facial or earlobe swelling or lumps
• Weakness, numbness, and partial paralysis
• Painful and enlarged nerves
• Vision loss
• Saddle-nose deformity