Ohio Reports 2 Leprosy Cases in 2026 as State Logs 6 in 10 Years

3 articles · Updated · The Cincinnati Enquirer · Aug 3

Two Hansen's disease cases were recorded in Ohio this year—one in Hamilton County and one in Summit County—according to the state's infectious disease dashboard.
Ohio health officials describe leprosy as rarely reported and almost always seen among immigrant or refugee populations; the CDC says the U.S. sees about 225 cases a year.
95% of people are naturally immune, and transmission usually requires prolonged close contact with an untreated infected person, leaving the general public at very low risk.
Multi-drug antibiotics can cure the disease, with treatment lasting six months to two years; household contacts should be screened immediately and then annually for at least five years.
Ohio has logged six leprosy cases since 2016, while some U.S. infections have also been linked to local exposure, including contact with nine-banded armadillos.