Armadillos Blamed for Florida's Risking Leprosy Rates, Health Officials

Health Officials in Florida are warning the public to not come into contact with armadillos following the rise in leprosy cases which have been linked to the animal.

Armadillos are the only known species which were found to be carriers of Hansen's disease and this has already resulted in 9 people being diagnosed with leprosy this year - double the usual rate.

Leprosy which is known to cause skin and nerve damage accounts for about 2- 12 cases in a year.

Health officials are however certain that armadillos are responsible for the rise in the number of cases.

Dr Sunil Joshi, of the Duval County Medical Society, told CNN: "There is a clear reason why this is happening in Florida."

"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."

Leprosy is usually transmitted via sneezing and coughing all though people infected with the disease may not show signs of any symptoms for months.

Since armadillos have a healthy population all across Florida, officials feel it results in an increase in the annual number of cases.