Florida’s leprosy cases hit a statewide record, with Central Florida as a hotspot

Florida reported 36 Hansen’s disease (leprosy) cases in 2025—the most in the state’s modern records—mostly acquired in Florida, with 17 additional preliminary cases in 2026 by mid-July; Central Florida, particularly Brevard County, has historically higher counts. Leprosy is rare and not easily spread, and is curable with antibiotics, though exposure timing can be years apart; the numbers are preliminary and can change as investigations continue.