Ancient Disease Resurfaces in State Linked to Armadillo Population

WHO:

Yahoo - Florida is experiencing a rise in leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease.

USA Today - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is involved in reporting and analyzing the disease.

WHAT:

Yahoo - Florida recorded 17 infections of leprosy as of July 18.

USA Today - In 2025, there were 174 cases of leprosy recorded nationwide, with 36 occurring in Florida, including 27 that were contracted locally.

Yahoo - Hansen's disease affects up to 225 people in the United States and 250,000 globally each year.

USA Today - In the past decade, approximately 223 cases of leprosy were recorded in Florida, primarily in Brevard County.

Yahoo - Central Florida accounts for 81% of state cases and nearly one-fifth of nationally reported cases.

Yahoo - The disease can be treated with standard antibiotics, and individuals are no longer contagious after a few doses.

WHERE:

Yahoo - The state experiencing the rise in leprosy is Florida.

USA Today - Brevard County in Florida has the majority of leprosy cases.

WHEN:

Yahoo - The data indicates that 17 infections were recorded in Florida as of July 18.

USA Today - The report mentions that cases peaked in early 1983 and began to increase again around the turn of the millennium.

WHY:

Yahoo - The CDC notes that Southern states have reported leprosy cases likely contracted from armadillos.

Yahoo - Scientists speculate that climate change may be contributing to the increase in armadillo populations, which could lead to more locally acquired cases of leprosy.

HOW:

Yahoo - Leprosy is caused by the bacteria M. leprae, which is naturally carried by nine-banded armadillos.

Yahoo - Contact with armadillos is considered a traditional risk factor for contracting leprosy.

Yahoo - It is suggested that coming into contact with soil contaminated by armadillos could also affect humans.

(UPDATED July 30, 2026 05:58 UTC)

Florida is currently experiencing a rise in leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, with 17 infections reported as of July 18. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is actively involved in monitoring this situation, noting that Southern states have seen cases likely contracted from armadillos, which carry the bacteria responsible for the disease. In fact, Central Florida accounts for a significant portion of the state's cases, with the majority occurring in Brevard County, and scientists suggest that climate change may be contributing to the increasing armadillo populations, potentially leading to more locally acquired infections.