An uptick in cases of one of the world’s oldest diseases is getting attention in the Florida. Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is a still-rare bacterial infection that attacks the skin and nerves. Scientists with UF’s Emerging Pathogens Institute are working to understand the risks in Florida, including the most common routes of transmission.
They’re also hoping to increase awareness of the disease’s symptoms so practitioners will be able to recognize and treat it early. “Good clues for leprosy include a patch of skin that is lighter in color or numb to the touch,” says Kartik Cherabuddi of the UF College of Medicine. “Fortunately, someone with leprosy can be cured …. an early diagnosis can lead to a straightforward recovery.”
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