By Staff Writer (media@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Jul 23, 2015 05:52 AM EDT

Nine cases of leprosy have been reported in Florida so far in 2015. Each case this year involved individuals who were in direct contact with armadillos.

The Department of Health stated that current number is almost close to Florida’s average 10 cases per year. Dr. Sunil Joshi, president of the Duval County Medical Society, stated that all cases in 2015 involved people who had contact with armadillos. The Center for Disease Control reported that armadillos are the only animal that carry leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, which is a bacterial disease that affect the nerves and skin. Affected human skin becomes dryer and thicker and lesions and other abnormal growths will most likely develop. The risk is reportedly low, however. Leprosy can be spread through saliva but is curable with antibiotics. According to Dr. Joshi, the occurrence is very rare but people are encouraged to avoid armadillos to prevent contamination.

Tampa Bay Times revealed that the latest diagnosis for the disease was early in July 2015 in Flagler County.

“It is still very, very unlikely to cause problems but be aware of armadillos and stay away from them,” said Joshi. “It is a devastating illness if you do get it.”

Kyle Waltz, a wildlife trapper, told Action News that he exercises extra caution because of the known danger that armadillos pose. Armadillos are quite common in the state and many of these live in the woods. Others may even reside close to people’s homes, putting adults and children at risk. Avoiding the animal may not also be easy. One woman discovered that there were six armadillos living beneath her house in Southside. Armadillos are usually nocturnal. However, it is currently breeding season in the state, so people might find babies even during the day. Even young armadillos can carry leprosy and contaminate humans, based on a report by WJAX-TV.

“We catch more armadillos than we do any other species. Especially if they’re trying to get out of a cage they can spit on you,” Waltz said.

Joshi added that leprosy can actually be treated easily once it is diagnosed. The current occurrence in Florida is not necessarily a major concern but it should be noted that all the affected individuals were in direct contact with armadillos. It is still very unlikely that the animals can cause problems but people will be safer by staying away completely.

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