Armadillos Implicated in Florida's Rising Leprosy Cases
Florida has experienced a rise in leprosy cases, with 36 confirmed cases in 2025 and 17 reported by mid-2026. The increase is particularly noted in Central Florida, with Brevard County being a hotspot. The nine-banded armadillo, known to carry Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium causing leprosy, is suspected to be a source of zoonotic transmission. A 2011 study found identical strains of the bacterium in armadillos and patients in the southern U.S., supporting this theory. Despite the rise, leprosy remains rare, and most people are naturally resistant. Public health officials emphasize the importance of avoiding contact with armadillos and improving clinician awareness to prevent misdiagnosis. 
