This Strange Disease Is Spreading Quickly, Officials Want You To Avoid THIS Animal At All Costs According to reports, the state of Florida has had 9 cases of leprosy so far this year. Now, residents are being told to avoid contact with armadillos because they could be the cause. Florida has about 10 cases of leprosy each year on average. This year blows that average out of the water. Armadillos, which are common around the state, are naturally infected with bacterial diseases. While the CDC admits that there is a low chance of contracting the disease, they advise that residents stay away. The Department of Health deputy press secretary warned, Extended close contact with infected armadillos may also pose exposure risk to Hansens. For many cases, the exposure causing the infection is unknown because it can take months or years for illness to develop. Generally, you dont want to be playing with wild animals anyway. Do you have family or friends in Florida? Be sure to share this with them! 