ORLANDO, Fla. – Armadillos are a familiar sight across Florida — and for many homeowners, they’re best known for digging up yards and gardens. Health experts say there’s another reason to keep your distance: Armadillos can occasionally carry the bacteria that causes Hansen’s disease, also known as leprosy.
Dr. Norman Beatty, an associate professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine, said he has seen patients who had close contact with armadillos or areas where the animals had been.
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“I have found patients coming who have either directly held an armadillo … or have also just manipulated the soil, the armadillos in their garden and burrows into their house, things like that,” Dr. Beatty said.
Florida Department of Health data show the state has reported 17 leprosy cases so far this year, including seven in Central Florida.
Dr. Beatty said the apparent increase may be tied to growing awareness and recognition of the disease — and the fact that armadillos often live close to people.
“My impression is we have a couple of things happening here. One, again, we have a growing recognition of the disease. You know, the armadillo … is close to humans,” Dr. Beatty said.
Hansen’s disease is rare, but it is curable, doctors say. Dr. Beatty said people should watch for symptoms that can include skin changes and loss of sensation.
“Multiple of these red lesions or patches on different parts of the body, arms and trunk,” he said. “But the hallmark is typically, we start losing sensation at that site of that lesion.”
While Dr. Beatty said fewer than 5% of armadillos are believed to carry the disease, he said new diagnoses still happen.
“It does happen. We have patients come into our clinic with new diagnosis every month.”
Last year, Florida reported 36 leprosy cases. With 17 cases already reported this year, the state is on pace to match that total, if not exceed it.
Even with the increase, doctors say there is no need to panic. They recommend avoiding direct contact with armadillos and using caution when working in soil where the animals may have been digging.