July 29, 2026, 5:50 p.m. ET
A disease that dates back 4,000 years, commonly linked to biblical narratives, is experiencing a slow resurgence in Florida.
Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is often thought of as a relic of the past. Yet, as of July 18 this year, Florida has reported 17 cases, as per state health data. Out of the 174 cases documented nationwide in 2025, 36 occurred in Florida, with 27 contracted locally.
This condition affects up to 225 individuals in the U.S. and 250,000 worldwide every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While most infections occur abroad, it’s noted that infections in Southern states may have originated from contact with armadillos.
Over the last decade, around 223 cases have been identified in Florida, predominantly in Brevard County. Central Florida stands out as a significant area for these cases, comprising 81% of state infections and nearly one-fifth of all reported in the country, according to research published in the CDC’s journal Emerging Infectious Diseases in 2023.
Scientists are exploring the reasons behind this pattern. The same 2023 report suggested that increases in cases among U.S. residents who don’t fall under conventional risk factors imply that the illness might be becoming endemic in certain regions, with one particular case involving a landscaper creating questions about environmental exposure.
Although it remains uncommon, the rise in cases is drawing attention. After a peak in early 1983, leprosy cases in the U.S. decreased steadily until around the year 2000, when they began to rise again.
What is leprosy?
Referred to in modern context as an ancient disease often associated with sin, leprosy—or Hansen’s disease—is a chronic infectious condition caused by the bacteria M. leprae. Interestingly, around 95% of individuals possess a natural immunity to this bacterium, which may explain why it has been historically misconstrued as an affliction solely affecting the morally deficient.
This disease is treatable with common antibiotics, and individuals are not considered contagious after just a few doses.
Tracing back at least 4,000 years, leprosy can result in visible and disfiguring symptoms such as changes in skin and nerve damage, which may take over 20 years to manifest post-exposure. Symptoms can vary widely, but the CDC and Cleveland Clinic identify some common signs, including:
- Discolored patches of skin that differ from the surrounding area, like dark lesions or numb patches.
- Red or purple nodules or lumps.
- Painless ulcers on the feet.
- Loss of eyebrows or eyelashes.
As leprosy impacts nerves, muscles, and various body systems, more severe symptoms might develop, such as:
- Vision issues or other eye complications.
- Enlarged veins.
- Permanent weakness or paralysis.
- Nerve damage leading to reduced sensitivity.
- Physical changes like shortened fingers and toes.
- Chronic ulcers.
- Persistent pain.
- Structural issues in the nose and hands.
How leprosy spreads
If you’ve encountered narratives about leprosy, you might picture the extreme symptoms or the isolation of lepers in historical contexts. The reality is that the stigma surrounding this disease is largely unfounded; Hansen’s disease is not easily transmissible between people. It’s believed to spread through airborne droplets from an infected person, but extended close contact with untreated individuals is necessary for transmission, as stated by the Cleveland Clinic, CDC, and National Hansen’s Disease Program. Essentially, the general public’s risk remains quite low.
While researchers are investigating other potential means of harboring M. leprae, such as soil, a noted risk is contact with local armadillos.
Are armadillos the culprit?
Specifically, nine-banded armadillos are known to carry M. leprae naturally. A 2011 genome study suggested they might transmit it to humans. Further research in 2015 highlighted the expanding geographic reach of zoonotic leprosy.
While conclusions are not absolute, scientists speculate that favorable environments for increasing armadillo populations—possibly influenced by climate change—might explain the rise in local cases in the southern U.S., as reported by Florida Today.
Engagement with armadillos is indeed mentioned as a significant risk factor in the 2023 report.
Reports indicate that case numbers align with the animal’s natural habitat range, as discussed in a report from the Daytona Beach News-Journal. It has been suggested that soil contaminated by armadillos could also pose a risk to humans, so using gloves while gardening or digging is advised. In general, avoiding close contact with armadillos—including handling or consuming them—is recommended.
