Staff Reports
Once viewed as a divine punishment in biblical times, leprosy has made a surprising resurgence in modern-day Florida, leaving scientists bewildered. This ancient disease, mentioned a whopping 68 times in the Bible, was once seen as a condition that ostracized individuals from society, forcing them into exile. Thankfully, we have moved past those harsh practices, but it’s still alarming to learn that a biblical disease is now rampant in the good ol’ U.S. of A.
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According to a research letter from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Central Florida is responsible for a staggering 81 percent of reported cases of Hansen’s disease, or leprosy, in the country. That’s right, Florida is leading the charge in bringing back diseases from the Middle Ages. It’s like they’re trying to turn the Sunshine State into the Leprosy State.
Historically, leprosy was a rarity in the United States. Incidence reached its peak in 1983, and there was a drastic decrease in documented cases from the 1980s through 2000. However, since then, the number of cases has steadily increased, and the southeastern states have seen a more than doubling of reported cases in the last decade. Who needs time travel when you can experience the medical wonders of the past right in your own backyard?
In 2020 alone, there were 159 new cases of leprosy reported in the United States, with Florida leading the charge. Now, one might think that this sudden surge in cases could be attributed to individuals immigrating from leprosy-endemic areas. But hold your horses, because approximately 34 percent of new leprosy patients from 2015 to 2020 seem to have caught the disease locally. Yes, that’s right, people are catching leprosy right here on American soil.
While armadillos have been known to carry leprosy and spread infections in the past, the researchers point to other possible explanations, such as international migration. Isn’t it fascinating how every problem seems to lead back to immigration? But before you jump to any conclusions, consider that certain areas in the country have become hotspots for this ancient disease. It’s now an endemic condition, which means it’s constantly circulating. What’s next, frogs raining from the sky? Ah, the wonders of science.
In conclusion, the return of leprosy is both shocking and eyebrow-raising. Who would have thought that a disease, once associated with divine retribution, would make a contemporary comeback? Florida seems to have become a premier hub for leprosy in the United States, leading the pack in reported cases. Rather than blaming innocent armadillos, perhaps we should focus on the elephant in the room: rampant international migration. After all, the increase in leprosy cases correlates with the surge in international migrants. Coincidence? I think not! It’s high time we put America first and protect our citizens from ancient diseases brought in from abroad. Let’s make leprosy a thing of the past, not the future.
