Florida has had an unusually higher number of leprosy cases this year, and health officials are blaming it on just one suspect, the nine-banded armadillo.
Usually, Florida has two to 12 reported cases of leprosy in a year, but according to a report from the CNN, the Florida Department of Health states that they've had nine so far in 2015.
Meanwhile, armadillos have been spotted more frequently. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission declares that "armadillos are not native to Florida, but are now common over most of the state. "
So, what's the connection between the leprosy cases and armadillos?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, armadillos are naturally infected with leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease. This is an age-old disease that causes skin and nerve damage.
The CDC further states that though it is unlikely, humans can possibly contract leprosy via skin contact with an infected armadillo.
Dr. Sunil Joshi, president-elect of the Duval Medical Society in Florida says that leprosy is a rare disease, and there are only an average of 50-100 cases in the whole country each year.
It is passed on through coughing and sneezing, but 95 percent of the population is immune to it, thanks to developments in medical science.
Joshi explains that the disease can lie dormant for months or years before the first signs of infection appear, CNN reports. Typically the first signs are skin lesions, and symptoms can progress to neurological problems such as psychosis and seizures.
Though the increase in leprosy cases is unusual, it can also be attributed to Florida's growing home development, Joshi says.
But why?
"There is a clear reason why this is happening in Florida," Joshi said. "New homes are being developed, and we are tearing down armadillos' homes in the process. Now these creatures are coming out in the daytime, and the people who are getting exposed are those working outside."
Armadillos' homes?
"Armadillos like forested or semi-open habitats with loose textured soil that allows them to dig easily," says the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, describing their habitat.
It simply means that these creatures have been ejected from their homes, and are now looking for another place to live.
Right now, residents and locals are being warned to stay away from the creatures.
Wildlife trapper Kyle Waltz tells WJAX-TV as to the risk of getting near, and especially, catching them:
"We catch more armadillos than we do any other species," said wildlife trapper Kyle Waltz.
"Especially if they're trying to get out of a cage they can spit on you," Waltz said.
