Florida reported 17 cases of Hansen's disease, or leprosy, by July 11, 2026 — a jump from the same period last year. Brevard, Lake, St. Johns, and Volusia counties accounted for 52% of last year's cases, despite making up a small share of the state's population. The same pattern is emerging in 2026, according to the Florida Department of Health.
The nine-banded armadillo, a known carrier of the bacteria that causes leprosy, is found in high numbers along the Interstate 4 corridor where the cases are concentrated. Scientists say the correlation is unlikely to be a coincidence. The armadillo's range has expanded in recent years, possibly due to warmer temperatures and habitat changes.
Leprosy is curable with antibiotics, but early diagnosis is critical to avoid permanent nerve damage. Dr. Maria Lopez, an infectious disease specialist at Orlando Health, said delays in treatment are common because symptoms like numbness and skin lesions can be mistaken for other conditions.
The CDC estimates 225 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Hansen's disease annually, with 250,000 cases globally. Florida's numbers are rising, though the disease remains rare. Local health officials are working to increase awareness, particularly in areas with high armadillo populations.
Two Central Florida residents, Karen Mitchell and Lisa Nguyen, have launched a campaign to educate doctors and patients about the disease's symptoms and connection to armadillos. Their efforts focus on reducing stigma and improving early detection. 'People don't realize leprosy is still here,' Mitchell said. 'But it's treatable if caught in time.'