Two New Leprosy Cases in Brevard as Florida Near National High for Hansen’s Disease

Two additional Hansen’s disease cases were confirmed in Brevard County, bringing the county’s total for the year to three and Florida’s statewide total to 19. Florida remains a focal point for leprosy in the U.S., with cases arising in multiple counties and some infections acquired outside Florida or the U.S. Officials note that the disease is rare and not easily spread, often difficult to diagnose, and treatable with antibiotics over one to two years; some details about the latest cases and their sources have not been released, and armadillos are discussed as a possible link in transmission.