Brevard County has reported nearly half of all leprosy cases in Florida over the past decade, according to data from the Florida Department of Health. Between 2012 and 2021, 85 people in the county were diagnosed with the disease, which affects the skin, nerves, and nasal passages. In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brevard saw 20 cases—three-quarters of the 27 statewide that year. Despite the overall rarity of leprosy in the U.S., the county’s numbers remain out of proportion with its population. As of July 11, Brevard had one case this year, but officials say the pattern persists.
Scientists are struggling to explain the trend. While contact with armadillos is a known risk factor, researchers suggest the disease may now be spreading locally in Florida without traditional triggers. A 2023 study found that people who spend significant time outdoors, such as hikers and gardeners, are more likely to contract leprosy, possibly due to exposure to soil. However, Brevard’s rates are still higher than expected. Last year, Brevard, Lake, St. Johns, and Volusia counties accounted for 52% of all leprosy cases in the state, despite making up only about 15% of Florida’s population.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says leprosy is no longer highly contagious and can be cured with antibiotics. Up to 225 people in the U.S. are diagnosed each year, and most live normal lives after treatment. Still, the rise in Brevard has raised questions. Dr. Maria Lopez, an epidemiologist with the Florida Department of Health, said, 'We’re seeing cases where there’s no clear link to armadillos or international travel. It’s confusing.'
Public health officials emphasize that leprosy is not a death sentence and that early treatment prevents disfigurement. Yet the local increase has sparked calls for more research. 'We need to understand why Brevard is a hotspot,' said Dr. James Carter, a dermatologist in Cocoa. 'If we don’t, the trend could continue.'