Leprosy outbreak?

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Leprosy cases in central Florida account for nearly 20% of national cases. What to know​

Rising evidence is pointing to the possibility that leprosy has become endemic in the southeastern U.S. with Florida being named among the top reported states.

In a recently published research letter regarding emerging infectious diseases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that Florida is witnessing an increase in leprosy cases lacking traditional risk factors and recommending that travel to Florida be considered when conducting leprosy contact tracing in any state.

Leprosy, which is scientifically known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the skin and peripheral nervous system.

The number of reported leprosy cases across the country has doubled over the past decade, according to the CDC. Citing data from the National Hansen’s Disease Program, the CDC says there were 159 new cases reported in the U.S. in 2020. Nearly 70% of these new cases were reported in Florida, California, Louisiana, Hawaii, New York and Texas.

Florida stands out in the report for two reasons: Central Florida alone accounted for nearly 20% of the total number of cases reported nationally and several new-case patients in central Florida demonstrated no clear evidence of zoonotic exposure or traditionally known risk factors.

Hansen’s disease has never been common in the U.S., with most cases previously involving people who immigrated from leprosy-endemic areas. But the new report shows that about 34% of the reported cases between 2015 and 2020 were locally acquired.

The report concludes that a growing body of evidence suggests central Florida may represent an endemic location for leprosy and recommends that physicians consider leprosy in the appropriate clinical context in patients who have traveled to the area, even in the absence of other risk factors.

The CDC hopes that local physicians can help identify and reduce the spread of the disease through their efforts to report cases and their support in further research to assess routes of transmission.

(More on the link)

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CDC issues travel advisory to Florida after state sees increase in cases​

Leprosy — an ancient disease thought to be resigned to history — may now be endemic in Florida, health officials warn.

The Centers for Disese Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an alert to doctors today, urging them to consider the disease as a possible diagnosis.

Florida is the top state for leprosy cases in the US, accounting for a fifth of the 159 cases detected in 2020 — the latest date available. About a third of infections were thought to have occurred on American soil.

Leprosy, or Hansen's Disease, is caused by a bacteria spread via droplets that attacks the skin, nerves and mucous membranes in the lungs.

The disease, if left untreated, can cause severe disabilities including blindness and the curling of the hands and feet.

But it is difficult to catch, with many patients having to spend months in close contact with an infected patient in order to catch the disease.

Issuing their warning, the CDC said in a letter: 'Travel to this area, even in the absence of other risk factors, should prompt consideration of leprosy in the appropriate clinical context.

'By increasing local physician efforts to report incidence and supporting further research to assess routes of transmission, a congruent effort can be made to identify and reduce spread of the disease.'

(More on the link)

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