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Armadillos Linked to Florida Leprosy Surge
30 Jul
Summary
- Central Florida sees increased leprosy cases in 2026.
- Nine-banded armadillos are suspected carriers of the disease.
- Leprosy is treatable and not considered a high-incidence problem.
Central Florida is currently experiencing an increase in reported leprosy cases, with 17 individuals diagnosed in 2026, primarily in the region. Health authorities are investigating a potential link to nine-banded armadillos, which are known to carry the bacteria responsible for leprosy, Mycobacterium leprae.
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves. While infections can occur through contact with armadillos or close, frequent droplet transmission, State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo has reassured the public that the incidence rate remains low and is not a cause for widespread concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that leprosy is generally uncommon in the United States.
The affected counties include Brevard, Charlotte, Duval, Highlands, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Okeechobee, Orange, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, and Volusia. This follows a similar uptick in cases observed in Florida during 2023, when the state accounted for nearly one-fifth of the nation's reported leprosy cases, with the majority concentrated in Central Florida.
