Leprosy -- American Statistics

In the United States, there are approximately 6,500 cases of leprosy. American statistics indicate that the majority of these are immigrants from countries where the disease is endemic. According to other leprosy statistics, the largest numbers of cases are in California, Texas, Hawaii, Louisiana, Florida, New York, and Puerto Rico. An estimated 200 to 250 new cases are reported each year.

Leprosy Disease

Leprosy American Statistics: An Overview

In the United States, there are approximately 6,500 cases of leprosy, 90 percent of which are in immigrants from countries where leprosy is endemic. The number of cases with active disease and requiring drug treatment is approximately 600. There are 200 to 250 new leprosy cases reported each year, with about 175 of these being new cases diagnosed for the first time. The largest numbers of cases in the United States are in:

California
Texas
Hawaii
Louisiana
Florida
New York
Puerto Rico.

The National Hansen's Disease Programs in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is the only institution in the United States exclusively devoted to Hansen's disease (also known as leprosy). The center functions as a referral and consulting center with related research and training activities. Most patients in the United States are treated under U.S. Public Health Service grants at clinics in major cities or by private physicians.

Leprosy American Statistics on Age and Gender

Leprosy can be present at any age, but cases under age 1 are rare. However, up to 20 percent of leprosy cases occur before the age of 10. In children, leprosy occurs equally in males and females. In adults, leprosy is twice as common in males as females.