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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Armadillos blamed for rise in leprosy cases in Florida | Armadillos blamed for rise in leprosy cases in Florida |
| (about 13 hours later) | |
| Health officials in Florida are warning people to avoid contact with armadillos after a recent rise in leprosy cases linked to the armoured creatures. | Health officials in Florida are warning people to avoid contact with armadillos after a recent rise in leprosy cases linked to the armoured creatures. |
| Florida officials have reported nine cases of leprosy already this year - double the normal rate. | Florida officials have reported nine cases of leprosy already this year - double the normal rate. |
| Leprosy is a bacterial disease that affects the skin and nerves. | Leprosy is a bacterial disease that affects the skin and nerves. |
| While the risk of contracting leprosy from an armadillo is low, health officials advise against touching the animals. | While the risk of contracting leprosy from an armadillo is low, health officials advise against touching the animals. |
| The disease can be spread through saliva. Armadillos sometimes spit when cornered or caged. | The disease can be spread through saliva. Armadillos sometimes spit when cornered or caged. |
| Most of the population is immune to leprosy - also known as Hansen's disease - and the disease is treatable. However, leprosy can be life-threatening if left untreated. | Most of the population is immune to leprosy - also known as Hansen's disease - and the disease is treatable. However, leprosy can be life-threatening if left untreated. |
| Originally from South America, armadillos are found in many southern states in the US, most notably in Texas. |