Florida has seen an increase in reported leprosy cases, with an uptick during 2025 and additional infections continuing into 2026, according to the National Hansen's Disease Program. The latest reports point to a rare but closely watched public health issue affecting several parts of the state.
Attention has centered on armadillos as a likely factor behind Florida's rise in leprosy cases. While the disease remains uncommon, the suspected link has brought renewed focus to how infections may be appearing and why officials are continuing to monitor new reports.
The counties named in the latest update include Brevard, Lake, Orange, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia. Cases appearing across multiple central Florida counties suggest the issue is not limited to one isolated area and has remained active into 2026.
The main takeaway is that Florida leprosy cases linked to armadillos are still being tracked as new infections are recorded. With the rise first noted in 2025 and more cases reported this year, the situation has become an important health story for residents in the affected counties and across the state.
