Florida Confirms 17 Leprosy Cases in 2026 as Armadillos Emerge as Possible Source
Updated
Updated · WFTV Orlando · Jul 27
Florida Confirms 17 Leprosy Cases in 2026 as Armadillos Emerge as Possible Source
3 articles · Updated · WFTV Orlando · Jul 27
Summary
Seventeen leprosy cases have been confirmed statewide in Florida so far in 2026, with Central Florida counties including Volusia, Orange, Seminole, Lake, Sumter and Brevard reporting infections.
State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo said the rise may be tied in part to nine-banded armadillos, which can carry the bacteria that causes Hansen’s disease.
Health officials said the disease is not spread through casual contact; infection usually requires prolonged exposure to infected armadillos, contaminated soil or an untreated person.
Florida’s health department said the public risk remains low and urged residents to avoid unnecessary contact with wild armadillos and seek care for persistent skin lesions or numbness.
The 2026 tally follows 36 cases in 2025, extending a multiyear increase that officials say is drawing attention but remains manageable with early antibiotic treatment.