Armadillos likely behind Florida’s surge in leprosy cases. Here’s what you need to know - News4JAX

What the report says

WJXT News4JAX reported that Florida recorded an increase in Hansen’s disease, commonly known as leprosy, in 2025 and continued to see new cases in 2026, citing the National Hansen’s Disease Program and state health figures referenced in local coverage. According to the report, Florida had 36 confirmed cases in 2025, with 27 believed to have been acquired within the state rather than overseas. By mid-July 2026, 17 cases had been reported, though those numbers were described as provisional.

The report said public health and university researchers have focused attention on Central Florida, including counties along the Interstate 4 corridor. WJXT cited the University of Florida’s Emerging Pathogens Institute as saying Brevard County represented 40 of Florida’s 74 confirmed cases from 2019 through 2022. Counties listed in July 2026 state data included Brevard, Duval, Orange, Seminole, St. Johns, Volusia and several others, with some infections linked to travel outside Florida or the United States.

Researchers have identified the nine-banded armadillo as a possible source because the animal can carry Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium that causes the disease. WJXT noted prior scientific findings, including genomic evidence connecting strains found in armadillos and some patients in the southern U.S., while emphasizing that animal-to-human transmission is recognized but uncommon.

Health officials stress that leprosy remains rare, is curable with multidrug therapy and usually requires prolonged close exposure to spread between people. Guidance cited in the report advises avoiding direct contact with armadillos and seeking medical evaluation for persistent skin changes, numbness or other possible symptoms, especially because diagnosis can be delayed for years.