Florida reports one of the highest rates of locally acquired Hansen's disease, or leprosy, in the United States. This disease affects the skin and nerves and is primarily caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. Although it is curable, the emergence of new cases has drawn the attention of medical professionals.
Whooping cough affects the upper respiratory tract. A bacterial infection by Bordetella pertussis damages the airways, leading to severe and uncontrollable coughing fits. It's most dangerous to children, especially infants under 12 months of age.
Influenza affects the nose, throat and lungs, and spreads through coughs and sneezes. While most recover, some cases become serious. Flu shots, handwashing, masks and clean air help prevent infection and protect vulnerable groups from severe infection.
Citrus greening, a destructive plant disease that affects the health of citrus trees, is devastating the Floridian citrus industry. Researchers and growers race to fine a cure to this vector-spread bacterial infection.
Chronic wasting disease, a deadly neurodegenerative disease in deer, has been detected in Florida. While not infectious to humans, CWD has the potential to wipe out deer populations across the country.
While infections are rare, the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus thrives in Florida's warm, salty waters year-round. To protect yourself from this life-threatening infection, avoid swimming and fishing in brackish water with open wounds or handling and eating raw seafood.
Malaria remains a concern in Florida because the state has 14 mosquito species capable of harboring and transmitting the parasites responsible for the disease.
Florida typically sees increased dengue transmission compared to other states in the U.S. Female mosquitoes transmit this most common mosquito-borne disease in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe.
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a disease that primarily affects birds. It is caused by a virus related to those that cause seasonal flu. A subtype of the bird flu virus known as H5N1 can infect mammals, including humans.
Chagas disease is a poorly understood illness that can lead to heart failure and other fatal complications if left untreated. Symptoms may take decades to appear, and most people with Chagas are unaware they have the disease.
