Leprosy now?

[rubytue]

Leprosy now endemic in central Florida? 
www.cnn.com/2023/08/01/health/leprosy-central-florida/index.html

Tangential discussion:
I think it as a thread on ML, but I recall seeing malaria is now back in Florida with local transmission, too. And I’m having a hard time not Floridarizing the news, but… man. As recently as 2019, we had plans to buy a condo in Florida, to rent now and be soft landing for retirement. And as everything (waved hands) stacks up… Florida is not on the list anymore. 

malaria source: 
www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/07/26/1189852024/in-floridas-local-malaria-outbreak-forgotten-bite-led-to-surprise-hospitalizatio

[chickadee77]

I have to say that the malaria doesn't surprise me, really. Mosquitoes and other biting flying things are just part of FL life, and it seems that mosquito-borne diseases are always worse in the southern states (I lived in TX when West Nile was a huge issue, and in FL for Zica). In fact, my H and I were always cautious, since he had contracted malaria as a teen on an international trip and absolutely did NOT want another flare-up (or whatever they're called).

Leprosy, yikes. I knew it was still around, and I guess something made me think it was more prolific in hotter climates, though I'm not sure what. I realize with current treatments, it's not the same as biblical-era stories make it out to be, but still.

[mrsd2006]

Nothing that comes out of FL surprises me.

[aurora]

Obviously this isn't good news, but isn't leprosy quite treatable now? Or is that just in comparison to historically?

My cousin had malaria years ago (caught while living overseas, even while on an anti-malarial drug) and had flare-ups that left her very sick periodically for years afterwards, well after returning to the U.S. I definitely don't want to mess with that and hope FL can get it under control.

ETA I googled for my first question: sounds like a pretty serious treatment is required for leprosy that can take 2 years! www.cdc.gov/leprosy/treatment/index.html
But it's quite effective when completed, according to that link.

[womet]

It also doesn't help that two of the top public health jobs are currently vacant. I can't imagine why public health professionals wouldn't want to work for DeSantis? (sarcasm)

[Velar Fricative]

TIL that armadillos are a source of leprosy.

[sonrisa]

I wonder if this can be traced back to climate change like rising fungal infections?

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8084208/

[womet]

Aug 3, 2023 11:33:59 GMT -5 sonrisa said:

I wonder if this can be traced back to climate change like rising fungal infections?

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8084208/

Hansen's disease (leprosy) is something that's recorded in the US each year and around the world. An outbreak of cases could be due to a variety of factors. Climate change could be one of those factors if it meant an increase in the armadillo population in that area-- and some armadillos carry that bacterial naturally. 

[dirtyred]

Aug 3, 2023 11:21:16 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

TIL that armadillos are a source of leprosy.

They are the only other animal that can get leprosy. I have heard that it's hard to catch leprosy from an armadillo, but I don't know if it's true and I'm too lazy to Google.

[basilosaurus]

Aug 3, 2023 11:21:16 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

TIL that armadillos are a source of leprosy.

I feel like I've always known this. Apparently Florida was once good at actually teaching things.

There were always a few cases of malaria and dengue, mostly from people who were from or had traveled to Caribbean and central and south America.

Bubonic plague still shows up a few cases a year, but that's pretty easily managed with abx. I had thought the same for Hansen's but apparently not.

[jane6672]

Well, this is reassuring:
“ Hansen’s disease does not spread easily from person to person. You cannot get leprosy through casual contact such as shaking hands, sitting next to, or talking to someone who has the disease.

Prolonged, close contact with someone with untreated Hansen’s disease over many months is needed to become infected.

Around 95% of all people cannot become sick because they are naturally immune.”

I did know armadillos can spread it but have no idea how or where I learned that.

[aurora]

Aug 4, 2023 2:27:26 GMT -5 basilosaurus said:

Aug 3, 2023 11:21:16 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

TIL that armadillos are a source of leprosy.

I feel like I've always known this. Apparently Florida was once good at actually teaching things.

There were always a few cases of malaria and dengue, mostly from people who were from or had traveled to Caribbean and central and south America.

Bubonic plague still shows up a few cases a year, but that's pretty easily managed with abx. I had thought the same for Hansen's but apparently not.

The difference this summer is they discovered local spread of malaria (in people who hadn't traveled).

[circa1978]

On leprosy, Moloka'i and the sequel, (historical fiction set in a Hawaiian leprosy colony) are fascinating.

[basilosaurus]

Aug 4, 2023 15:10:32 GMT -5 aurora said:

Aug 4, 2023 2:27:26 GMT -5 basilosaurus said:

I feel like I've always known this. Apparently Florida was once good at actually teaching things.

There were always a few cases of malaria and dengue, mostly from people who were from or had traveled to Caribbean and central and south America.

Bubonic plague still shows up a few cases a year, but that's pretty easily managed with abx. I had thought the same for Hansen's but apparently not.

The difference this summer is they discovered local spread of malaria (in people who hadn't traveled).

in sorry I wasn't clear. Yes I'm aware of this. While its recent history is from travelers, that it's seeming to be locally spread is what's alarming.

During a couple encephalitis (yes, I know it's not a singular disease but rather description of a symptom. I'm referring to local news called it) in the 90s they'd crop dust poison in the largest cities, one of which I was a resident. I don't know if it was efficacious. But Florida has never let data influence, so I wouldn't be surprised to see a return.

It was around '90 when we were warned not to go trick or treat unless slathered in off. And there were massive crop dusters leading up to that day. With zero warning other than me or print before. At least where I am now police vibes by with loudspeakers a whopping 3 minutes ahead

Tldr I didn't trust Florida back then, and I'm very anti trust it now. We need a new word for if a republican claims it, rub in the opposite and more true direction. Unless they're "opposite" is rfk jr