Emerging Infectious Diseases journal outlines the rise in cases in the past decade.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a research paper in its Emerging Infectious Diseases journal documenting a rise in domestic leprosy cases, primarily in the state of Florida.
Leprosy, known as Hansen’s disease, has not been common in the United States. However, the research paper found a rise in Leprosy cases between 2015 to 2020, with 34 percent of those new diagnoses occurring around Central Florida.
“According to the National Hansen’s Disease Program, 159 new cases were reported in the United States in 2020; Florida was among the top reporting states,” the report said. “Central Florida, in particular, accounted for 81% of cases reported in Florida and almost one fifth of nationally reported cases.”
“Travel to Florida should be considered when conducting leprosy contact tracing in any state,” the researchers stated.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Director Mandy Cohen as she settles into her role as head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- For CDC officials as they issue information regarding public health and safety.
- For U.S. researchers and scientists as they review and publish findings regarding diseases.
Sources: The Hill, NBC News, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
