While most people may not realize that leprosy is still around, it does occur regularly across the country, although in rather small numbers. There are about 80 cases every year in the United States, the CDC reports. Worldwide, there have been about two million people who have become disabled permanently by leprosy.
Leprosy is also called Hansen's disease. The primary place it occurs is in the South, in such states as California, Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and Hawaii. In the North, it is seen in New York and Massachusetts.
The appearance of the three new cases does not appear to be an outbreak, health officials say. It is difficult to know for sure, however, because the normal incubation period is from nine months to 20 years.
One of the main sources of leprosy is being in contact with an armadillo. The CDC says that contact with them should be avoided. Leprosy can be treated today with antibiotics, but the treatment typically lasts between six months and two years.
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Source: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/leprosy-cases-hit-florida-counties/story
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Graphics: Mine
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Keywords: leprosy, Florida, Volusia, CDC, cases