Leprosy in a hard-shell: Armadillos pose infection risk

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lloyd Kimble
  • Public Health Technician, 14th Medical Operations Squadron
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Armadillos are a very common animal here in Columbus, Mississippi. Armadillos may appear harmless; however studies have suggested that armadillos can pose a potential risk of spreading a disease known as Leprosy.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, usually affecting the skin and peripheral nerves but has a wide range of possible clinical manifestations. Leprosy is broken down into two classifications; the milder form, known as Paucibacillary Hansen's disease is characterized by one or more areas of skin affected with color loss.

The second is Multibacillary Hansen's disease. This disease is most commonly associated with symmetric skin lesions thickened skin, and frequent nasal congestion and epistaxis, commonly known as a bloody nose. If infected, the treatment will consist of the use of several antibiotics and supportive care to treat symptoms. Treatment of leprosy can be provided to patients by their family doctor or through the Hansen's Disease Clinic closest to them. Improvements are typically seen after two to three months of beginning treatment.

Since the 1970's, Scientists have suspected that armadillos could possibly carry Leprosy.
Armadillo's low-body temperatures provide the ideal conditions for breeding this dangerous bacterium. Using DNA analysis, researchers were able to identify a unique strain of M. leprae that was present in 5 out of 6 armadillos. Less than one percent of residents living in the state of Mississippi are currently infected with the disease according to US Department of Health. Even though the occurrence of leprosy is low in the United States, infections occur in 1 of every 10,000 persons.

To keep you and your loved ones safe you should treat armadillos the same way as you would treat any other wild animals, do not pet or attempt to capture these animals. Quite simply, stay away from them!

Our base provides several pest management services free of charge, to schedule an appointment call 434-7392. Although many animals in the wild may seem small and harmless, all animals have the ability to act instinctively in unpredictable ways to protect them if you are perceived as a threat. For more detailed information about leprosy refer to the Centers of Disease Control website (www.CDC.gov) or contact Public Health a 434-2411.