Brevard adds 2 leprosy cases as Florida total climbs to 19

Key Points:

• Two new cases of Hansen’s disease (leprosy) were reported in Brevard County, Florida, bringing the county’s total to three and the state’s total to 19 cases as of August 1, 2025.
• Florida continues to have one of the highest numbers of leprosy cases in the U.S., with 36 cases recorded in 2025, representing over 20% of the 174 nationwide cases reported that year.
• Hansen’s disease is a rare bacterial infection that primarily affects the skin, nerves, eyes, and nasal lining, and while it is difficult to spread and easily treatable with antibiotics, symptoms can take up to 20 years to appear.
• Armadillos are identified as a possible source of infection in Florida, as they are one of the few animals known to carry the bacteria, though transmission requires prolonged exposure and is not spread through casual contact.
• Residents are advised to seek medical attention if they notice persistent numb skin patches, loss of sensation, or muscle weakness, especially if they have had close contact with infected individuals or traveled to regions where the disease is more common.