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https://www.tampabay.com/news/health/2024/05/23/5-tips-managing-leprosy-risk-florida/

5 tips on managing leprosy risk in Florida
There’s been an uptick in cases. Scientists have some (surprising) advice on avoiding the bacteria.

GAINESVILLE — Florida has seen an increase in cases of leprosy, the ancient disease that can cause nerve damage in humans. The epicenter is in Brevard County.

A group of scientists teamed up last year to investigate. They’re focusing on armadillos. The nocturnal mammals are known to carry the slow-growing bacteria responsible for leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease.

Researchers believe the animals play a role in spreading the rare illness to people, possibly through soil contamination. The critters are common across the state but not in southern environments like the Keys, Everglades and Big Cypress, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History.