Florida woman starts leprosy support group as state sees rise in cases

The Brief

• State health officials report Florida has recorded 17 leprosy cases this year as two local women launched a Jacksonville support group.

• Jacksonville resident Ann Solomn began experiencing hand and foot numbness after a dermatologist confirmed her diagnosis last August following specialized tissue testing.

• Researchers suspect soil contact in areas frequented by wild armadillos serves as a primary vector for transmitting the bacterial infection.