As Leprosy Cases Rise In Florida, Here's What To Know About The Disease
NDTV
Since 2000, the cases of leprosy have gradually increased, and have more than doubled over the past decade, the CDC said in its report,
Cases of leprosy - an infectious disease that's been around since ancient times - have increased in the southeast United States, and now health experts fear that the infectious disease could become endemic to the region. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), central Florida accounts for nearly one-fifth of all cases in the nation and was responsible for 81% of the cases reported in the state.
Leprosy, which is also known as Hansen's disease, is usually spread during lengthy person-to-person contact through airborne droplets from the nose and mouth of an infected person. According to The Guardian, the disease has been uncommon in the United States and most cases have come from people who immigrated from countries where the disease is more common.
However, since 2000, the cases of leprosy have gradually increased, and have more than doubled over the past decade, the CDC said in its report.
