(NewsNation) — Cases of leprosy are on the rise in Florida, and health officials are linking many cases to exposure to a specific animal. Advertisement AdvertisementLast year, Florida had 36 cases, a record high since reporting began in 1992. At least 26 of those cases were contracted in Florida, one was contracted out of state, and two were contracted outside the country. This can cause an infected person to lose their sense of touch and pain, meaning they are at an increased likelihood of suffering cuts and burns. Steps for avoiding exposureThere are steps that can be taken to help reduce one's risk of exposure to the bacteria that causes leprosy.