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Florida Saw 36 Leprosy Cases Last Year. The Source May Surprise You
Gizmodo • • health
Key Points:
- Florida has reported an increase in leprosy cases, with 36 confirmed in 2025 and many likely acquired locally, particularly in Central Florida.
- The nine-banded armadillo, native to the southeastern U.S., is identified as a potential zoonotic source of leprosy transmission to humans.
- Leprosy remains rare and difficult to contract, with about 95% of people naturally resistant and transmission typically requiring prolonged close contact.
- Some recent Florida cases have unclear transmission sources, suggesting possible environmental exposure, such as contact with soil contaminated by armadillo droppings.
- Health officials emphasize that while leprosy is not a high-incidence problem, it may be endemic in Florida and warrants ongoing monitoring.
