A slow increase in leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is being reported in one U.S. state, putting fresh attention on an illness many people associate with ancient or biblical history. While the disease remains uncommon across the United States, the reported uptick is significant enough that officials are trying to better understand what is driving it.
The rise is being linked to armadillos, which have been associated with transmission of Hansen's disease in some cases. That connection has made the animal a focus as health authorities look more closely at how people may be exposed and why numbers appear to be climbing in this particular area.
Leprosy is not a widespread public health threat in the U.S., but even a limited increase can stand out because the disease is so rare. The current concern appears to center less on a national outbreak and more on identifying patterns in one state where cases have been moving up gradually.
The renewed attention is also a reminder that Hansen's disease has not disappeared, even if it is far less common than in the past. As officials work to pinpoint the reasons behind the increase, the unusual link between a very old disease and armadillos is once again becoming part of the public health conversation.
