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Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ariann...auses-symptoms-and-treatment/?sh=4ae7565b56da
Leprosy May Be An Endemic In Southeastern States: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Arianna Johnson
Forbes Staff
JUL 31, 2023
Topline
A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s medical journal looked at an increase in leprosy cases in 2020 in several states across the country, and the increase in “locally acquired” cases has left researchers searching for answers regarding why the disease is spreading.
Key Facts
According to the report, leprosy cases across the U.S. are on the rise, with Florida accounting for the majority of cases, leading the CDC to recommend doctors test patients who’ve traveled from Florida or other southeastern states for leprosy.
Central Florida saw the most uptick in cases, making up 81% of all cases in Florida and one-fifth of all cases across the country.
Other states that account for 69% of new leprosy cases are Texas, Hawaii, California, New York and Louisiana, according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services data, with almost 160 cases reported in 2020 alone.
The CDC study reports that though about 66% of cases are from people who immigrated from leprosy endemic countries, about 34% were locally acquired, a concerning number because the cause is unknown—there’s “no clear evidence” of animal transmission or other “traditionally known risk factors.”
Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease or the “biblical disease,” is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae, which can affect the skin, upper respiratory tract, eyes and mucosa, causing physical deformities.
Because of the increase in cases, leprosy may be considered an endemic—the constant presence of a somewhat controlled disease in a community that’s easily treatable and preventable—in the southeastern states.,,,
Leprosy May Be An Endemic In Southeastern States: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Arianna Johnson
Forbes Staff
JUL 31, 2023
Topline
A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s medical journal looked at an increase in leprosy cases in 2020 in several states across the country, and the increase in “locally acquired” cases has left researchers searching for answers regarding why the disease is spreading.
Key Facts
According to the report, leprosy cases across the U.S. are on the rise, with Florida accounting for the majority of cases, leading the CDC to recommend doctors test patients who’ve traveled from Florida or other southeastern states for leprosy.
Central Florida saw the most uptick in cases, making up 81% of all cases in Florida and one-fifth of all cases across the country.
Other states that account for 69% of new leprosy cases are Texas, Hawaii, California, New York and Louisiana, according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services data, with almost 160 cases reported in 2020 alone.
The CDC study reports that though about 66% of cases are from people who immigrated from leprosy endemic countries, about 34% were locally acquired, a concerning number because the cause is unknown—there’s “no clear evidence” of animal transmission or other “traditionally known risk factors.”
Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease or the “biblical disease,” is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae, which can affect the skin, upper respiratory tract, eyes and mucosa, causing physical deformities.
Because of the increase in cases, leprosy may be considered an endemic—the constant presence of a somewhat controlled disease in a community that’s easily treatable and preventable—in the southeastern states.,,,