Florida's leprosy outbreak explained including symptoms of 4,000-year-old infectious disease
A doctor has highlighted the early symptoms of leprosy as cases of the infectious disease, which can leave patients blind if untreated, continue to rise in Florida.
Health officials have reported two new leprosy cases in Brevard County, the Florida region hit hardest by the outbreak so far.
As of August 1, Florida’s statewide tally totalled at 19 cases, marking an increase from earlier in the year.
Following the outbreak, experts have outlined the symptoms people should watch for, while health officials have not released details about the two latest patients.
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Officials did, however, reveal that one patient is aged between 70 and 74, while the other is between 80 and 84 years old.
Symptoms of leprosy
Diagnosing leprosy can be challenging for healthcare providers, as symptoms may not appear until up to 20 years after a person is exposed to the bacteria.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states: "Transmission requires prolonged close contact with someone known to be infected and not treated."
According to the Cleveland Clinic, common symptoms of the disease include:
- Patches of skin, often with raised edges, that are different from areas around them - they may be discolored, pale, red, thick, stiff, swollen or numb
- Red or purple nodules or lumps
- Painless ulcers or sores on the bottom of your feet
- Enlarged nerves
- Weakness or paralysis
- Loss of eyebrows or eyelashes
- Vision loss or other eye issues
The experts note that while the disease is rare in the US, there are still around 200,000 people diagnosed around the world each year.
Typically, the US sees 225 cases annually.
What is causing the sudden outbreak?
While the cause of increased rates of leprosy remains up for debate, the CDC says: "In the southern United States, some armadillos are naturally infected with the bacteria that cause leprosy, and it may be possible that the animals can spread it to people.
"However, the risk is very low and most people who come into contact with armadillos are unlikely to get leprosy."
Where has leprosy been reported in Florida?
According to the Florida Department of Health, as of August 1, the counties affected include:
- Brevard County: 3
- Charlotte County: 2
- Duval County: 1
- Highlands County: 1
- Lake County: 1
- Lee County: 1
- Manatee County: 1
- Miami-Dade County: 2
- Okeechobee County: 1
- Orange County: 1
- Seminole County: 1
- St. Johns County: 1
- Sumter County: 1
- Volusia County: 2
What can happen is leprosy is left untreated?
In 2026, the disease is highly treatable and curable with a course of antibiotics.
However, if for whatever reason the disease is left untreated, patients may experience nerve damage, paralysis of the hands and feet, shortening of toes and fingers, non-healing ulcers on the feet, blindness, nose disfigurement, and more, as per the CDC.
Health officials further note that 95 percent of the human population is not susceptible to the bacteria that causes leprosy, debunking the old myth that the disease is highly contagious.
Mia Williams