WASHINGTON (Aug. 9, 2023)— Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a rare type of bacterial infection that left untreated can cause irreversible nerve damage. While cases are usually rare in the United States, there has been an uptick of infections in central Florida this year. While it cannot be transmitted through casual contact and is treatable, one of the challenges with leprosy is how slowly the bacteria grows and the fact that most medical professionals lack experience with the disease.
The George Washington University has experts available to comment on recognizing and treating leprosy. To request an interview please contact Rachel Larris, rlarris
gwu [dot] edu (rlarris[at]gwu[dot]edu.)
Jose Lucar is an associate professor of Infectious Diseases at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences.
Tara Palmore is a professor of Infectious Diseases and Director of Travelers' Clinic at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences.