Florida leprosy cases reached a record, see where cases are being reported

Key Points:

• Florida reported a record 36 cases of Hansen’s disease (leprosy) in 2025, surpassing the previous high of 29 cases in 2015, with most infections believed to have been acquired within the state.
• Cases in 2026 are ongoing, with 17 reported as of mid-July across multiple counties, including Brevard, Miami-Dade, and Volusia, though the county of residence may not indicate where exposure occurred.
• Central Florida, particularly Brevard County, has seen a higher concentration of cases over recent years, prompting research into whether Hansen’s disease is becoming endemic in the region.
• Hansen’s disease is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae and spreads primarily through prolonged close contact; it is curable with antibiotics but can cause permanent nerve damage if untreated.
• Despite the increase in cases, Hansen’s disease remains rare in Florida’s populous state, and the rise does not necessarily indicate a single outbreak or common source, with most people naturally immune to the disease.