Florida Reports 17 Leprosy Cases in 2026 as Central Counties See 7
Updated
Updated · WESH 2 Orlando · Jul 24
Florida Reports 17 Leprosy Cases in 2026 as Central Counties See 7
3 articles · Updated · WESH 2 Orlando · Jul 24
Summary
Seventeen leprosy cases have been reported statewide in Florida so far in 2026, with Central Florida showing a slight rise from prior years.
Seven of those cases were identified across six Central Florida counties: Volusia had 2, while Brevard, Lake, Orange, Seminole and Sumter each had 1.
Dr. Naushad Amin of Health First said Hansen's disease is curable and spreads mainly through respiratory droplets after prolonged household exposure over months or years.
The CDC says casual contact such as sitting together, handshakes or shared meals does not typically transmit the disease; exposure to armadillos is another known risk.