High Number of Leprosy Cases Due to Armadillos? How to Prevent Hansen’s Disease

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Leprosy or Hansen's disease is a long-term condition that infects the skin and nerves of a person. It is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, the bacteria mostly found in warm and tropical countries. It is characterized by hypopigmented or reddish spots on the skin, occasionally accompanied by numbness due to thickened peripheral nerves. Only a few people are said to get this infection, but recent reports have stated that there is now an increased incidence rate in Florida brought about by infected armadillos.

According to CBS Miami, nine cases have been reported in Florida this year alone. It is a significantly high number because it has already matched the reported average of 10 cases per year. Experts are saying that infected armadillos are the main cause of the outbreak.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), armadillos are the only animals able to carry the infection, which can be spread through saliva. As armadillos are common in Florida and are natural leprosy-carriers, people within the area are highly susceptible to being infected as well. Even though some studies have shown that it is more than unlikely for a person to get leprosy from an armadillo, CDC still warns residents to avoid contact with the animal.

Tampa Bay adds that Dr. Sunil Joshi, president of the Duval County Medical Society, explained that each case that has been diagnosed this year has been directly linked to armadillo infection. The most recent case of leprosy has been detected three weeks ago, in Flagler County.

Transmission of Hansen's disease can be done from person to person, usually after an infected person coughs or sneezes. Inhaling droplets or other nasal fluids can make an individual immediately infected by the disease.

CDC adds that symptoms may appear as severe pain, discolored and thickened skin, numbness of the affected area, muscle weakness and eye problems that often lead to blindness. Fortunately, this disease can be treated and may only take six months to two years before it is fully cured.

There are several ways on how to treat leprosy and the number one treatment is a combination of strong antibiotics. CDC states that if an individual is being treated for leprosy, he must always inform his physician if there is numbness or loss of sensation as this will prevent further damaging the nerves.