Abraham Quoted in Leprosy Article

Carl Abraham, M.D., infectious disease physician and assistant professor at NYITCOM-Arkansas, is quoted prominently in a HealthNews.com article about rising leprosy cases in Florida. In addition to discussing potential drivers of the outbreak, Abraham explains that leprosy, which is caused by M. leprae bacteria, is easily treated with antibiotics, especially at its early stages. However, it can be difficult to recognize the illness, as most people in the United States, including healthcare providers, have never seen a case. 

“Any person with one or multiple patches of skin that are lightening in color and have decreased sensation (for example, numbness) should be tested for infection with M. leprae. The patch may be flat or raised,” says Abraham. 

He also warns that it may take a year or more for those infected to develop symptoms.