Floridians urged to avoid leprosy-infected armadillos

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The number of leprosy cases is on the rise in Florida, and state health officials say armadillos are to blame.
 
Officials said nine cases have been reported across Florida so far this year, already nearly matching the state's average of 10 cases per year, according to the Department of Health.
 
President of the Duval County Medical Society Dr. Sunil Joshi says each case this year has involved people who were in direct contact with armadillos.
 
According to the Center for Disease Control, armadillos are the only animal to carry leprosy, a bacterial disease that affects the skin and nerves. The disease can be spread through saliva.
 
The most recent diagnosis for leprosy came in Flagler County three weeks ago.
 
Joshi said these occurrences are still very rare, but urged people to stay away from the animal.

WFTV