Leprosy is still rare, but is spreading in Florida and the south-east
Hansen’s disease, better known as leprosy, is a tropical malady that is rare in America. In 2020 just 159 cases were reported. Only 5% of people seem to be susceptible to infection. Because it is so rare, Americans seldom think about leprosy, and many clinicians have never seen it outside a textbook. This is starting to change.
“I am hoping that people take their blinders off,” says Dr Dunn, referring to other clinicians, especially those in central Florida. Nearly 17% of American leprosy cases were in Florida in 2020, and over 80% of those were in central Florida. This year the state has reported 16 cases. Dr Dunn says medics should look out for the disease, so they can diagnose and treat it.
Though few people know what leprosy is, ears prick up at its mention. “There is essentially no population in history…that didn’t have a stigma associated with leprosy,” says Barry Bloom, an immunologist and former dean of Harvard University’s School of Public Health. People have been burned or buried alive for having it, says Dr Bloom. Many were cast out of society, or forced to sound bells or clappers to warn others of their approach. That led to “a mortal fear of the disease”.
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