“There is No Need for Panic or Concern”

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – According to NPR.org, a team of doctors have identified an uptick in leprosy cases in the United States, with eighty percent of them recorded in the state of Florida, and more specifically, twenty percent of all cases were identified in central Florida.

Infectious disease specialist, Dr. Nikkiah Forbes breaks down the signs and symptoms.

There are roughly 200,000 cases of the disease – most associated with Biblical days – reported globally, each year.

Two hundred are reported annually in the United States. Forbes says it’s not completely understood how the disease is transmitted but prolonged contact with an infected person can result in transmission.

Globally, leprosy is still considered as rare.

Dr. Forbes says here at home, she’s only seen about 2 or three cases over the past 8 years.

Now if you plan to travel to Florida this summer, she says there is no need to panic. Simply remain hygienic and follow the usual health and safety advice.