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Leprosy, considered by many a frightening disease from biblical times, still exists today, especially in Central Florida which accounts for 81% of cases reported in the state and almost one fifth ...
The region accounted for 81% of cases in Florida and nearly 1 out of 5 leprosy cases nationwide. ... and gene studies have linked human infections to the leprosy strains carried by armadillos ...
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Florida recorded three cases of leprosy in 2024, through March 26, out of a population of nearly 23 million people, according to U.S. Census data — one leprosy case each in Polk, Sumter and ...
(The leprosy bacterium is difficult to culture and armadillos have a body temperature of 34 °C (93 °F), similar to human skin.) [26] Humans can acquire a leprosy infection from armadillos by handling them or consuming armadillo meat. [27] [28] Armadillos are a presumed vector and natural reservoir for the disease in Texas, Louisiana and Florida.
Recently, however, there have been cases of leprosy increasingly reported in Central Florida. And now, scientists are saying it may become endemic (or somewhat permanent) in the state of Florida.
The nine-banded armadillo has been rapidly expanding its range both north and east within the United States, where it is the only regularly occurring species of armadillo. The armadillo crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico in the late 19th century, and was introduced in Florida at about the same time by humans.
The armadillo model has been useful for biochemical, immunological, and vaccine research. Though the majority of nine-banded armadillos contract leprosy, about 15% of the species have been found to be resistant. The resistant specimens are used as a study model in order to develop a possible genetic linkage. [6] [9] [18]