Read our Privacy noticeCases of leprosy are rising in Florida, with officials working to understand what’s behind the spread of the rare 4,000-year-old bacterial infection. There are currently 17 cases of leprosy in Florida, state health data shows. Last year, Florida had 36 cases - a record number since the state began reporting the virus in 1992. open image in gallery Cases of leprosy have been rising in Florida but experts don’t know why ( CDC )open image in gallery Leprosy can cause lesions and large bumps all over the skin. “However, the risk is very low and most people who come into contact with armadillos are unlikely to get leprosy.”