Leprosy cases climb in Florida: Here’s how to reduce your risk

descriptions off, selected

captions settings, opens captions settings dialog

captions off, selected

This is a modal window.

Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.

End of dialog window.

How does the CDC track disease?

How does the CDC track disease?

(NewsNation) — Cases of leprosy are on the rise in Florida, and health officials are linking many cases to exposure to a specific animal.

As of July 23, Florida’s Department of Health reported 17 cases statewide, with 81 percent in Central Florida, according to NewsNation affiliate WFLA. The heaviest concentration of cases has been reported in Volusia, Brevard, Lake, Orange and Seminole counties.

Last year, Florida had 36 cases, a record high since reporting began in 1992. At least 26 of those cases were contracted in Florida, one was contracted out of state, and two were contracted outside the country. Where the remaining seven cases were contracted is unknown.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by a very slow-growing bacterium called mycobacterium leprae. In some cases, it may take up to 20 years after contact for symptoms to appear.

Symptoms of leprosy include lesions, lumps,........

© The Hill