Armadillos carry leprosy and can transmit this disease in several ways. Merely by handling the animal, you can contract leprosy. Extra care should be taken when dealing armadillos to prevent contact with the skin from their armor or their feces.
There are several types of Armadillos and it has not been concluded that all types of Armadillos carry leprosy. Instead, it was discovered that the 9 banded Armadillos carry leprosy. At that time it was believed that Armadillos were unlikely to spread the bacteria to humans, mostly in the American South.
How does an armadillo give you leprosy?
In the southern United States, some armadillos are naturally infected with the bacteria that cause Hansen’s disease in people and it may be possible that they can spread it to people. However, the risk is very low and most people who come into contact with armadillos are unlikely to get Hansen’s disease.
One source stated that countries that reported more than 1,000 new cases of Hansen’s disease to WHO between 2011 and 2015 are: Africa: Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, United Republic of TanzaniaAsia: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri LankaAmericas: Brazil.
To date, around 150-200 Americans have leprosy. Eating the armadillo can cause leprosy, too. Many trappers are hunters are not shy about eating this animal, however, and based on the previous statistics I provided before, you can see why. In any case, keep yourself safe and try not to handle or eat armadillo.
Is armadillo the only animal that can catch leprosy?
Some armadillos, placental mammals with leathery armor, are naturally infected with leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Armadillos are one of the only known animals to carry leprosy, an age-old disease that causes skin and nerve damage.
US dermatologists have noticed that their patients with leprosy have one of these risk factors: Lived in a country where leprosy is more common, such as India, Brazil, China, Indonesia, or parts of Africa. Handled an armadillo. Spent time outdoors in an area where armadillos live.
Can armadillos transmit leprosy to people?
This armored and endemic creature has been said to be the main cause of the disease to people who have actually come into contact with it. The armadillos are able to host leprosy bacillus. This creature has been linked to human leprosy cases officially. Therefore, we can say that armadillos can actually transmit leprosy to people.