State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo addressed the increase on Friday, saying the number of cases remains low and should not be a cause for major concern.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis isn\u2019t a problem of high incidents,\u201d Ladapo said.<\/p>\n
Health officials say one reason Central Florida has seen cases is the presence of the nine-banded armadillo, which can carry the bacteria that causes leprosy. However, experts emphasize that simply seeing or being near an armadillo does not mean someone will become infected.<\/p>\n
Leprosy, also known as Hansen\u2019s disease, is not spread through casual contact. According to health officials, infection typically requires prolonged exposure to the bacteria through contact with infected armadillos, contaminated soil or environmental sources, or close, long-term contact with someone who has untreated leprosy.<\/p>\n
Doctors also stress that the disease is treatable, especially when diagnosed early.<\/p>\n
While Florida has seen an increase in reported cases over the past two years, health officials say the overall risk to the public remains low and encourage residents to avoid handling wild armadillos and to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms after prolonged exposure.<\/p>\n
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