Our new study analysing leprosy (Hansen’s disease) trends in Florida between 1996 and 2025 reveals a fifteen-fold increase in the annual incidence rate over the 30-year period. A total of 359 confirmed cases were reported across the state, highlighting the continued public health relevance of this neglected infectious disease in the United States.
The analysis identified Brevard County as a hotspot, accounting for 113 cases during the study period. Notably, locally acquired infections represented the largest category among cases with a known mode of acquisition, underscoring the importance of understanding local transmission patterns.
These findings provide valuable insights into the changing epidemiology of leprosy in Florida and highlight the need for continued surveillance, early detection, and increased awareness of Hansen’s disease.
You can find the full publication via the journal's homepage, PubMed or the MIRU website.