leprosy

Central Florida is a hot spot for the ancient disease, puzzling researchers. They’re digging into the phenomenon.

The recent spike in the disease, now typically spread by armadillos, has caused some concern among experts and led to educational events like one held recently at the University of Florida.

Scientists are scratching their heads over the number of leprosy cases in Brevard and Volusia, leaving some to believe it may be endemic to the area.

From 2015 to 2020, about 20 percent of the reported U.S. cases were in Florida, and 81 percent of those cases were in Central Florida, according to a research letter released by the CDC.

Yes, health officials in Florida have reported nine cases of leprosy so far this year. And yes, armadillos can transmit leprosy. But scientists say we needn't fear the armored mammals.

Health officials in Flagler County have reported its first case of leprosy in at least 15 years, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports. According to…