Florida emerges as hotspot for US leprosy cases

A recent research letter released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed that the southeastern United States may be grappling with “endemic” levels of leprosy.

Leading the outbreak is the state of Florida, identified as the origin of almost a fifth of all US leprosy cases, according to the CDC. When an infection is endemic in a certain region, it means that it remains present at a steady and predictable level.

Leprosy spreads through extended contact with an infected person. 

Reports are that experts blame Armadillos for the disease’s transmission. These barrel-shaped mammals, frequently spotted throughout Florida, are the only known animals capable of spreading leprosy, according to the CDC.

The exact transmission method of leprosy among humans remains unclear. However, it is recommended that people avoid interaction with both infected individuals and armadillos.

- Advertisement -

Specifically, Central Florida emerges as the hotspot within the state, responsible for a staggering 81per cent of the state’s cases, the research letter highlights.

Leprosy: An ancient disease still causing damage today

Hansen’s disease, commonly known as leprosy, is a historical affliction with the potential to harm the skin and nervous system. The disease can be attributed to a bacteria, Mycobacterium leprae, which assails the nerves and results in sensation loss in impacted areas.

Neglected cases of leprosy can lead to a host of complications, including blindness, ulcers, deformities, among other issues.

 The disease’s grim history can be traced back to 600 B.C., with the disease being so feared and devastating that isolation treatments were implemented on remote islands off Hawaii, Louisiana, and Massachusetts coasts to minimize exposure.

The role of modern medicine in treating leprosy

Yet, with the strides of modern medicine, a cure for leprosy has been discovered, and the disease can now be managed with antibiotics. Prompt diagnosis, however, remains crucial, as antibiotics cannot mend nerve damage.

Within the US, leprosy predominantly affects immigrants (80-90 per cent), particularly those hailing from Mexico, as stated by the Florida Department of Health.

The disease remains a rarity, with 95 per cent of the global population naturally immune to leprosy. 

Despite this, the CDC reports that the disease has left up to 2 million individuals permanently disabled.

 

More recent news from South Florida

More Stories

Don’t wait, Vote Early this week voter faud

Broward man pleads guilty to voter fraud

A Broward County resident has pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges, including voter fraud and identity theft, after impersonating a U.S. citizen to vote...
Hilary Creary

Hilary Creary becomes second Jamaican-American Magistrate in Florida’s 17th Judicial Circuit

Hilary Creary has made history as the second Jamaican-American to serve as a Magistrate in Florida’s 17th Judicial Circuit. Sworn in today, Creary joins a...
Spring Break Curfew

Miami Beach sees fewer arrests as spring break crackdown continues

As spring break rolls on in South Florida, Miami Beach officials report that strict enforcement measures appear to be yielding results. The city announced on...
Broward students attack teacher

Two Broward students arrested for alleged attack on teacher

Two students at Dillard High School in Broward County have been arrested after allegedly attacking a teacher in what police described as a “synchronized”...
Alex Daoud

Former Miami Beach Mayor Alex Daoud dies at 81

Alex Daoud, the former Miami Beach mayor who played a pivotal role in the city’s transformation before his career was marred by a corruption...
Medicare

Miami inspector pleads guilty to fraud in Medicare accreditation scheme

A Florida contractor has admitted to accepting bribes and engaging in fraudulent self-dealing to manipulate the Medicare accreditation process, federal prosecutors announced. Manuel Delgado, 64,...
Four Jamaicans arrested in Alabama for alleged involvement in lottery scam

Broward man sentenced to over 11 years on gun and drug charges

A federal judge has sentenced 38-year-old David Lee Pitts to 135 months in prison for drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession, following his arrest...
Jamaican artist Andy Ballentine

Renowned Jamaican artist Andy Ballentine honored with proclamation in North Lauderdale

Acclaimed Jamaican artist Andy Ballentine has been honored with an official proclamation from the City of North Lauderdale, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the...
broward robert runcie

Former Broward Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie set to stand trial for perjury in June

Four years after his high-profile arrest on a perjury charge, former Broward Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie is preparing to stand trial. Circuit Judge Martin...
Miami-Dade Schools Police officer yessenia-sanchez

Former Miami-Dade Schools police officer jailed for attempted murder of ex-boyfriend

A former Miami-Dade Schools police officer was sentenced Friday to 30 years in prison and 20 years of probation for the attempted murder of...

Latest Articles

Skip to content