Nine-banded armadillos are commonly spotted throughout the southern United States.
You might see them rummaging through your garden or taking refuge under your porch. Sometimes, though, they make ill-fated attempts to cross bustling roadways.
Generally speaking, they pose little threat. Yet, experts warn that these charming armored animals could be linked to an uptick in cases of an ancient disease.
Well, calling it “ancient” isn’t entirely accurate—it is a 4,000-year-old disease. Leprosy, or Hansen’s Disease, currently affects around 200,000 people worldwide.
In the U.S., there are a few hundred cases annually, and the numbers are on the rise. Florida stands out with some of the highest infection rates nationwide, having recorded 17 cases this year alone.
The trend shows an increase: Florida had 8 cases in 2022, 23 in 2023, followed by 20 in 2024, and 26 last year. Central Florida seems particularly affected, with Brevard County reporting 40 out of 74 cases from 2019 to 2022 (about 55%), according to WJXT4.
What is leprosy?
This disease is caused by a bacterium known as Mycobacterium leprae. The bacteria develop slowly, meaning that an infected person could take up to 20 years to show any signs.
It affects the skin and nerves, leading to thickened skin, ulcers, and loss of eyebrow or eyelash hair. It can also cause numbness and paralysis, especially in hands and feet, and may even result in blindness.
Historically, people with leprosy have faced stigma, an attitude that’s still prevalent though it’s largely outdated (as you might recall from reading biblical texts, where leprosy appears 68 times).
However, leprosy isn’t easy to catch. About 95% of people have some natural immunity, and it usually requires extended contact for transmission.
Moreover, it’s treatable. Those diagnosed receive a course of antibiotics, and they cease to be contagious after just one dose.
Why is Florida a leprosy hot spot?
Armadillos are known carriers of the bacteria responsible for Hansen’s Disease.
While they’re widespread in southern states like Texas and Louisiana, they’ve been gradually moving north for several hundred years. Some believe they’ve even reached as far as Massachusetts.
These creatures thrive in warm, moist environments and dig around for food, mostly insects and snails. They often stay in their burrows for resting and raising their young.
Scientists think the Mycobacterium leprae bacteria transfers to humans through soil, especially when people handle it while gardening or maintaining their homes.
“Where armadillos eat, live, and reproduce can influence the likelihood of humans being exposed to leprosy. The bacteria can linger in the soil for a period,” noted Juan Manuel Campos Krauer, an assistant professor at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.
How to protect yourself
Most infections in the U.S. occur when individuals travel to areas where leprosy is more prevalent, such as Brazil, India, and Indonesia, according to the CDC. These countries report over 10,000 new cases annually.
It’s essential to understand that Hansen’s Disease remains quite rare here, with typically no more than 250 cases each year.
That said, it’s wise to steer clear of armadillos. If you’re working in the soil, experts advise wearing gloves and being mindful of potential contamination.
There’s also concern about roadkill. Some experts have suggested that bacteria could spread following an armadillo fatality on the road.
A doctor in Mississippi mentioned that he would recommend cleaning your vehicle if you happen to hit one.
