Leprosy in Florida

Question

This NBC article claims that Florida is becoming a hot spot for leprosy and cases are on the rise in the area

Answer 1

While it is true that overall leprosy numbers in Florida have increased in the last decade, it is important to keep in mind that as of the most current data, only 27 cases of leprosy were identified in Florida in 2020, the year with the most number of cases reported. This is according to data from the Florida Department of Health. Since this is an increase from the single-digit figures of the early 2000's Florida has been labeled a hotspot. Counties in central Florida like Brevard "accounted for 81% of cases reported in Florida and almost one fifth of nationally reported cases," according to the CDC. This is indicative of a reason to be concerned for scientists, but is nevertheless a fairly localized problem. The news article posted is truthful but the claim that "Florida is a hotspot for leprosy" can be misleading for the layperson to whom this is likely no reason for concern. Likely not misinformation but exaggerated.

Sources:

Florida Department of Health data: https://www.flhealthcharts.gov/ChartsDashboards/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=NonVitalIndNoGrpCounts.Dataviewer&cid=174

CDC Article:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/29/8/22-0367_article#r2

Comments

Great fact check! Many of the articles I found were titled "on the rise" or "epidemic" when referring to the Central Florida leprosy cases. These were all released this week, despite discusses case increase studies that occurred almost three years ago. I agree with your claim of exaggeration and find that the articles could emphasize the limited number of cases and lack of timeliness of the medical concerns for leprosy. Thanks!

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Great work! Using multiple sources, helps with boosting credentials.

Answer 2

This CNN article explains that while leprosy cases do exist at a higher rate in Florida, experts are not overly concerned. The levels of infection are fairly regular and are not climbing. At the same time, may doctors may have difficulty identifying leprosy for what it is due to its rarity.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/01/health/leprosy-central-florida/index.html

Answer 3

The CDC has confirmed reports of Leprosy in Florida and has done studies

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/29/8/22-0367_article

CNN has also claimed the same cases on Central Florida is a hot spot for Leprosy

https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/01/health/leprosy-central-florida/index.html

Comments

Wouldn't you consider only 27 cases a little too low for people to brandish Florida as a "Hotspot"?

Answer 4

While Florida has seen an increase in leprosy cases, leprosy is still exceedingly rare. According to the CDC, there has been an increase in leprosy cases in Florida, and should be considered when traveling. Despite this, leprosy is not common in Florida. According to Harvard Health, leprosy is not easily spread, and there are antibiotics to treat oneself if they become infected. Leprosy at worst may be considered to be an endemic in Florida, but the risk of developing leprosy in Florida or elsewhere is still exceedingly low. The news article, whilst being correct, is exaggerated, and Florida would not be considered a "hot spot" for leprosy.

Sources:

CDC: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/29/8/22-0367_article

Harvard Health: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/leprosy-in-florida-how-worried-should-we-be-202308162966

Comments

Great thorough fact-checking and use of sources. I would definitely agree with you that the article is exaggerated

Answer 5

Within the NBC News article, there is a hyperlink to the CDC leprosy report. I took a look at that, and found some information that was directly pulled from that report. "159 new cases were reported in the United States in 2020" (CDC) and "Central Florida, in particular, accounted for 81% of cases reported in Florida and almost one fifth of nationally reported cases" (CDC) were found in both, and I came to the conclusion that the NBC article was legible.

CDC report: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/29/8/22-0367_article