Leprosy cases rising slightly in Central Florida
PALM BAY, Fla. —
A disease dating back 4,000 years is making its way through Central Florida, where cases of leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, are rising slightly from previous years.
“It is completely curable with the modern medication that we have,” said Dr. Naushad Amin.
Leprosy was once a feared disease thought of as highly contagious and deadly, but it’s actually hard to spread, according to the CDC.
Dr. Amin, chief medical officer at Health First in Palm Bay, explained how one might contract it.
“It’s spread primarily by respiratory droplets such as sneezing, coughing, with prolonged exposure,” Dr. Amin said. “So, say if somebody is infected, just by sitting with them, shaking their hands, sharing meals does not confer transmission of the infection. It is prolonged, household, for many months to years.”
There’s also one other way to contract the disease: Armadillos. Dr. Amin said to keep your distance from them, don’t feed them, and do not try to relocate them.
So far in 2026, the Florida Department of Health has reported 17 cases of leprosy statewide. In Central Florida, Brevard, Lake, Orange, Seminole and Sumter counties have seen one case each, while two cases have been reported out of Volusia County.
Learn more about leprosy from the Florida Department of Health and CDC.