Tag Archives: Leprosy

Health officials see rise in Leprosy cases in country

Leprosy

The American Heritage Dictionary “plagues”
1. A highly infectious, usually fatal, epidemic disease; a pestilence.
2. A virulent, infectious disease that is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis (syn. Pasteurella pestis) and is transmitted primarily by the bite of fleas from an infected rodent, especially a rat. In humans it occurs in bubonic form, marked by lymph node enlargement, and in pneumonic form, marked by infection of the lungs, and can progress to septicemia.
3. A widespread affliction or calamity seen as divine retribution.

Important Takeaways:

  • Florida is experiencing an increase in LEPROSY cases with nearly 20% of cases across the country coming from the center of the state
  • Florida has seen a huge surge in leprosy cases, with rising evidence suggesting the disease is becoming endemic in the southeastern United States.
  • 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 in the southeastern states has more than doubled over the past decade, according to the CDC.
  • It added that leprosy has been historically uncommon in the United States; with the incidence rate peaking around 1983, and a drastic reduction in the annual number of documented cases occurring from the 1980s through to 2000.
  • Leprosy is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae.
  • The illness is renowned for being extremely slow to develop. The bacteria reproduce slowly and people may not develop symptoms for decades after being exposed.
  • The average time is around five years, but some people may not develop signs for more than 20 years after coming into contact with the bacteria.
  • Symptoms of leprosy include patches of discolored skin, numbness, muscle weakness, eye problems, a blocked nose and nosebleeds and ulcers on the soles of the feet.
  • Leprosy was historically thought to have been a contagious skin disease which led to societies banishing victims to colonies, but scientists now believe the illness spreads – slowly – if people inhale bacteria.
  • The illness can cause progressive nerve damage, weakness and the breakdown of limbs, flesh and facial features if left untreated, but antibiotics can now clear it up.

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Floridians Warned To Avoid Armadillos Because of Leprosy

Leprosy cases are on the rise in Florida and officials say most of the cases appear to be connected to armadillos.

The Florida Department of Health says that 9 cases have been confirmed so far this year, almost matching the state’s yearly average of 10 cases.

The head of the Duval County Medical Society told WKMG-TV that all of the cases could be tracked back to contact with armadillos.

“It is a devastating illness if you do get it,” said Dr. Sunil Joshi said.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that armadillos are the only animal that carries leprosy and that they can spread it through their saliva.

“We catch more armadillos than we do any other species,” said wildlife trapper Kyle Waltz to CBS Jacksonville.  “Especially if they’re trying to get out of a cage they can spit on you.”

“What’s happening in Florida is not necessarily concerning but what’s interesting is those cases were all with people who were in direct contact with armadillos,” Joshi said.

Florida has a large armadillo population although most of them live in the woods.  However, residents have found the animals living in their yards where they pose a danger to animals and children.

One reporter for CBS Jacksonville found six armadillos living under her home.

“It is still very, very unlikely to cause problems but be aware of armadillos and stay away from them,” Joshi said.

While armadillos are mostly nocturnal, it is currently their mating season and they can be out during the day, complicating the situation.

Leprosy On Rise In Florida

A disease that has been feared since Biblical times is on the rise in Florida.

Officials near Daytona Beach say that three people have been diagnosed with leprosy over the last five months.  Two of the patients reportedly had been infected after close contact with armadillos.

Three cases are unusually high for a disease that is considered rare.

Brevard County officials say that 18 cases of leprosy have been found in their county in the last five years and most of those cases are patients who had some kind of contact with armadillos.

Health officials say that only 150 to 250 new cases of leprosy are found in the United States each year.  

Florida health officials say that the disease is not very contagious to the public at large.