Florida is experiencing a Leprosy outbreak, leaving experts scrambling for answers.
Of the 159 new cases reported in 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that 81% of current leprosy cases are located in Central Florida. What makes this outbreak even more disturbing is the fact that the disease was once incredibly rare in the United States. Back in 2015, an uptick in leprosy cases in the state was blamed on armadillos, which are known to carry the disease. However, the origins of this latest outbreak are unclear.
Typically, when leprosy is seen in the U.S., it originates from countries known for the infection. Interestingly enough, 34% of patients to get the disease between 2015 and 2020 contracted the disease locally, according to the CDC’s statement.
Leprosy is characterized by thick lesions on the skin. The disease is caused by the Mycobacterium leprae bacteria, which strikes the nerves. This can cause numbness, enlarged nerves that appear as painful lumps under the skin, nosebleeds, and nose congestion. If untreated, the condition can lead to blindness and disfigurements. Leprosy can be spread by direct contact with infected patients. However, the touching has to be prolonged to infect someone. Quickly shaking hands or hugging usually does not lead to transmission.
Most people are believed to be immune to the illness, but leprosy can take time to show up in patients. Therefore, early detection of symptoms can significantly reduce the risk of severe complications from the disease.
