Leprosy Cases Surge in Florida, Linked to Armadillos

WHO:

Gizmodo - Joseph Ladopo, Florida surgeon general, stated, “This isn’t a problem of high incidents.”

WYFF - Dr. Naushad Amin, chief medical officer at Health First in Palm Bay, said, "It may be an endemic, a low-level endemic area, but that does not mean there is an outbreak."

WHAT:

Gizmodo - Florida reported 17 cases of leprosy in 2026 as of the latest data.

WYFF - Florida had 36 confirmed cases of leprosy in 2025, an increase from 20 cases in 2024.

WYFF - The U.S. reported 174 cases of leprosy in 2025, with over 20% occurring in Florida.

WYFF - Globally, about 250,000 cases of leprosy are reported each year.

WHERE:

Gizmodo - The cases of leprosy in Florida are primarily from Central Florida.

WYFF - Leprosy cases are reported in Florida and the southern U.S.

WHEN:

WYFF - As of July 23, 2026, there have been 17 reported cases of leprosy in Florida.

WHY:

Gizmodo - Leprosy is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, which can be transmitted from nine-banded armadillos to humans.

WYFF - Health officials point to armadillos as a likely source of some leprosy cases in the U.S.

HOW:

Gizmodo - Leprosy is typically contracted through prolonged close contact with infected individuals, but can also be transmitted from armadillos.

WYFF - Armadillos can carry the Mycobacterium leprae bacteria, with a 2015 study indicating that 15 to 20 percent of armadillos in some areas carry the bacteria.

WYFF - Health officials recommend avoiding close contact with armadillos and wearing gloves and long sleeves when gardening or working in soil where armadillos are active.

(UPDATED July 31, 2026 16:33 UTC)

Florida has reported 17 cases of leprosy in 2026, with health officials noting that the state had 36 confirmed cases in 2025, up from 20 in 2024. Dr. Naushad Amin, chief medical officer at Health First, mentioned that while Florida may be experiencing a low-level endemic situation, it does not indicate an outbreak. The bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, which can be transmitted from nine-banded armadillos to humans, is a significant factor, leading health officials to advise avoiding close contact with these animals and taking precautions when gardening.