Cases of leprosy have increased in Florida and the southeastern United States over the last decade, according to a new CDC report.
, found that reported cases doubled in the Southeast over the last 10 years.
Although leprosy can spread person to person, it's not known precisely how. The disease does not spread through casual physical contact like shaking hands or sitting next to a person on the bus, according to the CDC. Rather, scientists' current thinking is that the bacteria gets transmitted via droplets from an infected person's coughs or sneezes during a prolonged period of close contact.
The main difference between a rash and leprosy is the loss of feeling in the affected area, she said.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Biblical disease spikes in Florida: CDC’s leprosy alertThe ancient illness, also known as Hansen’s disease, can be spread by infected people or armadillos.
Read more »
Biblical disease spikes in Florida: CDC’s leprosy alertCases of leprosy — an infectious disease that’s been around since ancient times — have increased dramatically in Florida, and health experts fear the infecti...
Read more »
CDC issues warning in Florida due to rising cases of leprosyAccording to a case report by the CDC for Aug. 2023, Central Florida accounted for 81% of cases reported in Florida and almost one-fifth of nationally reported cases.
Read more »
Leprosy warning issued by CDC for people traveling in FloridaThe CDC says Florida is seeing an increase in the number of leprosy cases and the disease appear to be endemic in the southeastern United States.
Read more »
So, What's Going On With Leprosy in Florida?The authors of a recent case report say it's the latest evidence that leprosy has gained a foothold in the Sunshine State, though no one's sure why yet.
Read more »
Leprosy could be endemic in Central Florida, CDC says. What to know about the disease.Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is an age-old bacterial disease that affects the skin and nerves. Here's what to know about symptoms to treatment.
Read more »