While the nine-banded armadillo is the primary source of leprosy infections in the United States, it is still a rare disease. The pathogen thrives in its gut and is spread through contact with the animal’s bodily fluids or feces. This means they can spread the disease to humans even if they don’t have leprosy themselves. Some armadillo species are also naturally infected with the M. In fact, according to the National Hansen’s Disease Program, at least 25% of the armadillo population in some places are infected with M. Early diagnosis and treatment is key to preventing serious complications from the disease. If you think you may have been exposed to leprosy, it is important to see a doctor right away. The treatment usually involves a course of antibiotics, but in some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct deformities caused by the disease. ![]() ![]() The earlier the diagnosis, the easier it is to treat leprosy. However, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Yes, leprosy is curable in case of exposure. In severe cases, leprosy can lead to deformities of the face, such as loss of eyebrows or nose. Permanent damage to the nerves in the hands and feet is common, as well as muscle weakness. Untreated leprosy can lead to deformities such as claw-like hands, and it can also cause paralysis. If not treated early, the disease can cause skin lesions, nerve damage, and blindness. In the United States, leprosy transmission is most commonly found in the southern United States, particularly, in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. While leprosy is not as feared as it once was, it is still a serious disease that can cause permanent damage. Leprosy patients were once shunned by society and were forced to live in leper colonies. If you see one on the side of the road, or if one happens to wander into your backyard, it is best to leave it alone or call your local wildlife control office. So the chances of you coming into contact with leprosy pathogen from the animal are very low.īut this doesn’t mean that you should handle armadillos without gloves. The bacteria is also what experts call a “wimp of a pathogen” due to its fragility, it can’t survive outside of its host for more than a few hours. In addition, the pathogen that causes leprosy, Mycobacterium leprae, can only live in the goldilocks temperature inside the gut of an armadillo or a human. This is because at least 95% of the human population has a natural immunity to leprosy. How Common Is It to Get Leprosy from an Armadillo? So if you do come into contact with an armadillo, it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly and see a doctor if you develop any symptoms of leprosy. However, armadillos are found in the South East, ranging from West Texas, up as far north as Nebraska, and stretching all they way to the East Coast. In the U.S., there are only about 150 to 250 cases of human infections reported each year. In fact, there have only been a handful of cases reported in the United States of people catching leprosy from nine-banded armadillos. However, the risk of catching leprosy from an armadillo is low. The short answer is yes, you can catch leprosy from an armadillo. This is why armadillos are such an important part of the leprosy cycle. The pathogen that causes leprosy, Mycobacterium leprae, is unique in that it can only reproduce inside of a living animal. Scientists believe that armadillos become infected with leprosy after coming into contact with contaminated soil. ![]() In fact, armadillos are the primary source of leprosy infections in the United States. Leprosy in ArmadillosĪrmadillos are the only other mammal besides humans that can carry leprosy. The good news is that leprosy is not very contagious. ![]() Leprosy is spread through close contact with an infected individual, usually through contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva or mucus. It’s a disease that is as old as mankind, and it’s thought to have originated in Asia or Africa. Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that can cause skin lesions, nerve damage, and blindness. But can you actually catch leprosy from an armadillo? What is Leprosy? While they may seem harmless, armadillos are actually one of the two mammals that can carry leprosy. Armadillos are small, armored animals that can be found throughout the South-Eastern United States. You may have seen them on the side of the road, or even in your backyard.
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