Leprosy Surges in Central Florida, Becoming an Endemic Health Concern

Cases of leprosy are surging in central Florida, with the Sunshine State witnessing an increased incidence of leprosy cases lacking traditional risk factors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that leprosy has become endemic in the southeastern United States, and travel to Florida should be considered when conducting leprosy contact tracing in any state. The number of reported leprosy cases in southeastern states has more than doubled in the last decade, with central Florida accounting for 81% of cases reported in the state. Some cases in central Florida show no clear evidence of zoonotic exposure or traditionally known risk factors, raising concerns about potential autochthonous transmission. Further research is needed to investigate other methods of transmission and environmental reservoirs.