Florida had reported 17 Leprosy cases by July 11, including two in Volusia County, with 14 of the state's 67 counties recording at least one case.
Central Florida has drawn attention because health officials say it has a higher concentration of cases than much of the country, though the reason remains unclear.
Armadillo exposure, soil contact and other environmental factors are among the suspected drivers, but officials say leprosy is still very rare and the public risk remains low.
Early treatment with standard antibiotics can stop contagion within a week and prevent serious complications, prompting advice to use gloves in soil, avoid sick wildlife and seek care for persistent skin lesions or numbness.