Leprosy outbreak in Florida

 

Diseases you probably thought were obliterated have been making headlines lately. First, there was the measles outbreak at Disneyland this past winter. Then, cases of the plague appeared in Colorado. And now, Florida is seeing a spike in leprosy cases.  

Yes, leprosy is still around.

Florida has seen nine leprosy cases so far this year, but typically only sees an average of four annually, according to the Florida Department of Health. And experts say the reason for the outbreak may be … armadillos.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some armadillos are naturally infected with leprosy. The small animals are naturally nocturnal but are now in their breeding season, according to the University of Florida. As a result, they’re out more during the day now, when they may come into contact with people.

 

 

 

Some armadillos are naturally infected with leprosy, and may be inadvertently transmitting it to humans. (Photo: Getty Images)

While the CDC says the risk of contracting leprosy from armadillos is low, it also states that if you decide to see a doctor due to armadillo contact, you should tell them the full history of the contact you’ve had with the creatures.

But leprosy cases aren’t restricted to this small outbreak: Roughly 7,000 people are now being treated in the U.S. for the disease, and the U.S. sees about 200 new cases a year, says infectious disease expert Dr. Amesh Adalja, an assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

 

 

Source: Korin M.