Florida is experiencing an increase in LEPROSY cases with nearly 20% of cases across the country coming from the center of the state

daily mail ^

[algore]

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.

Florida is witnessing an increase in leprosy cases lacking traditional risk factors, the body added.

It noted that Central Florida accounts for 81 per cent of cases reported in the state and almost one fifth of cases reported nationally.

There were 159 new cases reported in the US in 2020, the CDC said in a recently published research letter regarding emerging infectious diseases, citing data from the National Hansen's Disease Program.

Nearly 70 per cent of these new cases were reported in Florida, California, Louisiana, Hawaii, New York and Texas.

The CDC recommended that travel to Florida be considered when conducting leprosy contact tracing in any state.

It said several new-case patients in central Florida demonstrated no clear evidence of zoonotic exposure - transmission of pathogens from wild animals to humans - or traditionally known risk factors.

[immadashell]

… but scientists now believe the illness spreads slowly if people inhale bacteria.

Oh crap! I threw out my supply of face diapers last week!