Event Recap
Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) Symposium
The EPI gathered leprosy experts to lead discussions on the public health implications and response to the disease. Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, has seen a recent increase in cases that lack traditional factors.
Hansen’s disease, commonly known as leprosy, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and rarely by M. lepromatosis. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Florida has seen an increase in leprosy cases that lack traditional risk factors. Though about 95% of people have natural immunity to leprosy, the gradual increase in cases has been cause for concern. The National Hansen’s Disease Program reported 159 new cases in the United States in 2020, with Florida being one of the top reporting states accounting for 69% of the total new cases.
Event Recording
Leprosy Articles
Research Feature
UF EPI launches leprosy research team as Florida cases increase
The UF EPI has convened a group of experts to research the illness using a One Health approach, a way of studying disease that explores the links between people, animals and the environment.
Research feature
Leprosy in Florida: medical experts monitoring unusual, new cases of Hansen’s disease
Medical experts provide insight to unusual, new cases of leprosy in Florida amid an uptick in the rate of infection.
Expert Q&A
UF expert discusses leprosy and increased cases in Florida
UF expert answers important questions about leprosy and the impact of leprosy in Florida.
Research News
More than 16 percent of Florida’s armadillos carry leprosy bacterium, scientists report
An expert on Mycobacterium leprae, the bacillus that causes Hansen’s disease, announced Wednesday that armadillos were the only known animal host of the pathogen.
Event Highlights
Meet the Speakers
University of Florida
Norman Beatty
Norman Beatty, MD, is an assistant professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine. His talk will discuss the microbiology and transmission of Mycobacterium leprae.
Florida Department of Health
Danielle Stanek
Danielle Stanek, DVM, is a state public health veterinarian at the Florida Department of Health. Her talk will discuss the epidemiology of Hansen's disease (Leprosy) in Florida.
University of Florida
Juan Campos
Juan Campos, PhD, is an assistant professor at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. His talk will discuss the history, ecology and risks for transmission of Mycobacterium leprae from armadillos.
University of Florida | UF HealtH
Nicole Iovine
Nicole Iovine, MD, is a clinical professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine. She also serves as the chief epidemiologist at UF Health. Her talk will discuss clinical cases of Hansen's disease (Leprosy) at UF Health.
University of Florida | UF Health
Kartik Cherabuddi
Kartik Cherabuddi, MD, is a professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine. He also serves as the director of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program at UF Health. His talk will discuss the prediction methods of Hansen's disease (Leprosy).
Emory University | Atlanta Hansen's Disease Clinic
Jessica Fairley
Jessica Fairley, MD, is an associate professor at the Emory University Rollins School of Public Health. She also serves as the director of the Atlanta Hansen's Disease Clinic.