The Florida Department of Health is noting an uptick in the cases of leprosy this year and contact with armadillos might be one reason why. In the first half of 2015 there have already been nearly the same number of cases of leprosy in Florida as seen in a typical year.
Several years ago Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos treated a patient with a rash at her practice in Melbourne, Florida. It turned out to be leprosy and the patient had come in contact with armadillos. She is the wife of former State Senate President Mike Haridopolos.
