Leprosy on the Rise in Florida: An Expert Answers Your Questions

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In the past, most people with leprosy in the United States had been first infected in some other country where it might be more common. Now, it seems the disease-causing bacteria may be naturally found in Florida...

As well, more than 95% of the U.S. population is naturally immune to the infection caused by this bacterium. The infection is completely treatable, Maderal said.

"While there are some that hear leprosy and think it is this biblical disease that is incurable, it's actually very treatable with antibiotic therapy,” she said. A patient may receive treatment with multiple antibiotics for 12 or 24 months, depending on the level of bacteria. They also may receive anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medications.Leprosy appears to be spread through respiratory droplets and prolonged close contact with an infected person.

That means you may be at risk if others in your household have a high level of this bacteria in their body. But you also can now get evaluated to detect the disease early. The patient is no longerAvoid contact with nine-banded armadillos, which transmit leprosy in places like Florida, Louisiana and Texas. Direct contact with these animals through hunting, touching, skinning and eating them may put you at risk.

Maderal said people should only feel concern about contracting leprosy in Florida if they live with or have close contact with someone diagnosed with the disease. The risk of transmission is very low.

 

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