Florida is experiencing an increase in LEPROSY cases with nearly 20% of cases across the country coming from the center of the state
- Central Florida accounts for 81 per cent of cases reported in the state
Florida has seen a huge surge in leprosy cases, with rising evidence suggesting the disease is becoming endemic in the southeastern United States.
Leprosy, which is scientifically known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the skin and peripheral nervous system.
The number of reported leprosy cases in the southeastern states has more than doubled over the past decade, according to the CDC.
Florida is witnessing an increase in leprosy cases lacking traditional risk factors, the organization added.
It noted that Central Florida accounts for 81 per cent of cases reported in the state and almost one fifth of cases reported nationally.
A 54-year-old man in central Florida was diagnosed with lepromatous leprosy in 2022, He sought treatment at a dermatology clinic for a painful and progressive erythematous rash. The lesions began on his distal extensor extremities and progressed to involve his trunk and face
There were 159 new cases reported in the US in 2020, the CDC said in a recently published research letter regarding emerging infectious diseases, citing data from the National Hansen’s Disease Program.
Nearly 70 per cent of these new cases were reported in Florida, California, Louisiana, Hawaii, New York and Texas.
The CDC recommended that travel to Florida should be considered when conducting leprosy contact tracing in any state.
It said several new-case patients in central Florida demonstrated no clear evidence of zoonotic exposure – transmission of pathogens from wild animals to humans – or traditionally known risk factors.
It added that leprosy has been historically uncommon in the United States; with the incidence rate peaking around 1983, and a drastic reduction in the annual number of documented cases occurring from the 1980s through to 2000.
However, since then, reports demonstrate a gradual increase in the incidence of leprosy in the US.
Leprosy, which is scientifically known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the skin and peripheral nervous system (Stock image)
Leprosy is a reportable disease in Florida and is monitored primarily through passive surveillance.
Practitioners are required to report leprosy in the state by the next business day, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Contact tracing is critical to identifying sources and reducing transmission.
In June, the CDC published an alert after five cases of locally transmitted malaria were reported over two months – four cases in Florida and one in Texas.
It is the first time in 20 years that locally transmitted malaria has been reported in the US.
According to the Florida Department of Health, seven local cases of malaria have been treated and have recovered, and all cases have been isolated to Sarasota County as of July 20.
LEPROSY: CAUSE, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT
Leprosy is a long-term infectious disease which can result in the inflammation of the nerves, respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. In 2012, the number of chronic cases of leprosy was 189,000, down from some 5.2 million in the 1980s, with India accounting for more than half of all cases (Stock image)
Leprosy is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae.
The illness is renowned for being extremely slow to develop. The bacteria reproduce slowly and people may not develop symptoms for decades after being exposed.
The average time is around five years, but some people may not develop signs for more than 20 years after coming into contact with the bacteria.
Symptoms of leprosy include patches of discoloured skin, numbness, muscle weakness, eye problems, a blocked nose and nosebleeds and ulcers on the soles of the feet.
More than 200,000 people are thought to be diagnosed with the disease worldwide, with 60 per cent of cases in India.
Brazil and Indonesia also have relatively large numbers of infections, while the rest are scattered around the world.
Leprosy was historically thought to have been a contagious skin disease which led to societies banishing victims to colonies, but scientists now believe the illness spreads – slowly – if people inhale bacteria.
The illness can caused progressive nerve damage, weakness and the breakdown of limbs, flesh and facial features if left untreated, but antibiotics can now clear it up.
Source: World Health Organization and Medical News Today
