Florida is experiencing an increase in LEPROSY cases with nearly 20% of cases nationwide originating from the center of the state
Florida is experiencing an increase in LEPROSY cases with nearly 20% of cases nationwide originating from the center of the state
- Central Florida accounts for 81 percent of reported cases in the state
Mounting evidence points to the possibility that leprosy has become endemic to the Southeastern United States, with Florida cited as one of the best-reported states.
Florida is witnessing an increase in leprosy cases without traditional risk factors, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
It noted that Central Florida accounts for 81 percent of cases reported in the state and nearly one-fifth of cases reported nationally.
Leprosy, known scientifically as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the skin and peripheral nervous system.
According to the CDC, the number of reported cases of leprosy in the southeastern states has more than doubled in the past decade.
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 started on his distal extensor ends and spread to his trunk and face
There were 159 new cases reported in the U.S. in 2020, the CDC said in a recently published research letter on emerging infectious diseases, citing data from the National Hansen’s Disease Program.
Nearly 70 percent of these new cases were reported in Florida, California, Louisiana, Hawaii, New York and Texas.
The CDC recommended considering travel to Florida when tracing leprosy contacts in any state.
It said several new patients in central Florida showed no clear evidence of zoonotic exposure – transmission of pathogens from wild animals to humans – or traditionally known risk factors.
It added that leprosy is historically uncommon in the United States; with incidence peaking around 1983 and a drastic reduction in the annual number of documented cases from the 1980s to 2000.
However, since then, reports show a gradual increase in the incidence of leprosy in the US.
Leprosy is a notifiable condition in the state of Florida and is controlled primarily by 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.
LEPROSY: CAUSE, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT
Leprosy is a long-term infectious disease that can lead to inflammation of the nerves, airways, skin and eyes. In 2012, the number of chronic leprosy cases was 189,000, up from some 5.2 million in the 1980s, with India accounting for more than half of all cases (stock photo)
Leprosy is a disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae.
The disease is known to develop extremely slowly. The bacteria reproduce slowly and people may not develop symptoms for decades after exposure.
The average time is about five years, but some people may not develop it for more than 20 years after coming into contact with the bacteria.
Symptoms of leprosy include patches of discolored skin, numbness, muscle weakness, eye problems, nasal congestion and nosebleeds, and ulcers on the soles of the feet.
More than 200,000 people worldwide are believed to have the disease, with 60 percent of them in India. Brazil and Indonesia also have relatively many infections, the rest are spreading around the world.
It was traditionally thought to be a contagious skin disease that led societies to exile victims to colonies. Scientists now believe the disease spreads slowly when people breathe in bacteria.
The disease can cause progressive nerve damage, weakness, and breakdown of limbs, flesh, and facial features if left untreated, but antibiotics can now remedy this.
Source: World Health Organisation And Medical News Today