Armadillos May Be Behind Increase In Florida Leprosy Cases

In Florida, where typically only two-12 individuals are diagnosed with Hansen’s Disease each year, the presence of nine cases by late July has raised alarm, and officials are concerned that these cases may be linked to contact with armadillos.

Armadillos are small, cat-sized creatures that are not native to Florida, but are commonly found across most of the state, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports.

Although the infection may not be life-threatening, authorities are still stressing the importance of staying away from these armadillos just to avoid any addition to the statistics of infected people.

So, what’s the connection between the leprosy cases and armadillos? “Although the mode of transmission of Hansen’s disease is not clearly defined, most investigators believe that M. leprae is usually spread person-to-person in respiratory droplets following extended close contact with an infected person, such as living in the same household”. This is an age-old disease that causes skin and nerve damage. The possible culprit: armadillos.

The health experts claim that each year, from 10 to 12 cases of leprosy are reported due to human contact with an armadillo.

It is passed on through coughing and sneezing, but 95 percent of the population is immune to it, thanks to developments in medical science.

This year, nine people got Hansen’s disease in Florida.

“There is a clear reason why this is happening in Florida”, Joshi said. New homes are being [built], and we are tearing down the armadillos’ [habitat] in the process. “Now these creatures are coming out in the daytime, and the people who are getting exposed are those working outside”. “For many cases, the exposure causing the infection is unknown because it can take months or years for illness to develop”.

Armadillos typically keep to their forest habitat, yet they snoop around homes and towns occasionally.

Joshi says these occurrences are still very rare, but urged people to stay away from the animal.

According to wildlife trapper, there is a risk of approaching the animal, and particularly, when the creature is tried to be caught.