Leprosy existed in the Americas before Europeans arrived

A new study reveals leprosy existed in the Americas for centuries before European arrival, challenging previous assumptions. The research, published Thursday, analyzed hundreds of ancient and modern samples. The study found a distinct variant of the leprosy-causing bacteria, *Mycobacterium lepromatosis*, circulating among Indigenous populations. This strain was present across the Americas, from Canada to Argentina, long before the arrival of Europeans. This discovery highlights the need to understand the pre-Columbian disease landscape. The study also raises questions about the origins and spread of this leprosy variant, including its potential link to red squirrels in the UK.