A medical mystery: Why does Central Florida see so many leprosy cases?

Leprosy remains rare in the U.S. But Florida, which often reports the most cases of any state, has seen an uptick in patients. ⁠
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The epicenter is east of Orlando. ⁠
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Brevard County reported a staggering 13% of the nation’s 159 leprosy cases in 2020, according to a Times analysis of state and federal data.⁠
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Many questions about the phenomenon remain unanswered. But leprosy experts believe armadillos play a role in spreading the illness to people.⁠
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Scientists are trying to solve the medical mystery. ⁠
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“If we better understand it,” UF veterinarian Juan Campos Krauer said, “the better we can learn to live with it and reduce the risk.”⁠

Read more: https://www.tampabay.com/news/health/...
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