After A Measles Outbreak, Florida Sees Leprosy Cases Spike To Highest In The Nation

A recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed that a significant portion of new leprosy cases in the United States between 2015 and 2020 appeared to be locally acquired, without clear evidence of zoonotic exposure or traditional risk factors. Disease experts have expressed particular concern over the resurgence of leprosy in Florida.

In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report indicating 159 new cases of leprosy in the United States, with approximately one-fifth of these cases in Florida. Notably, central Florida accounted for 81% of the leprosy cases in the state.

Leprosy results from an infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae and primarily impacts the skin, eyes, nose and peripheral nerves. Common symptoms consist of light-colored or red patches on the skin, accompanied by decreased sensation, numbness and weakness in the hands and feet. Fortunately, leprosy can be effectively treated through a six to 12-month course of multi-drug therapy, although early intervention is crucial for the prevention of disability.

In the past, leprosy lacked available treatment options and the progression of the disease would lead to severe physical deformities, such as disfigured hands and feet, as well as changes to the face and nose. These visible symptoms fueled fear of contagion and resulted in social exclusion for leprosy patients.

The transmission of leprosy occurs through respiratory droplets, often through close and prolonged contact with untreated individuals who have the active form of the disease. However, leprosy is not highly contagious, and the majority of individuals exposed to the bacterium do not develop the disease.

Experts in infectious diseases highlighted the role of genetics in the susceptibility or resistance to leprosy. It has been estimated that over 90% of the global population possesses natural immunity to mycobacterial infection, which includes leprosy, tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM).

The CDC report sheds light on the emergence of locally acquired leprosy cases and indicates a need for continued surveillance and research to better understand the sources of transmission. Efforts to combat the stigma around leprosy are also essential, as historical misconceptions and discrimination have had a significant impact on affected individuals and their communities.

Leprosy is now treatable with multidrug therapy (MDT), which usually involves a combination of antibiotics such as dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and minimize disease transmission. Thanks to advancements in medical care, the vast majority of leprosy cases can now be cured and deaths directly attributed to leprosy are rare.

The spike in leprosy cases comes amid an outbreak of measles in Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis‘ surgeon general, Joseph Ladapo, has been accused of mismanagement for allowing unvaccinated kids to return to school for political reasons.