Autochthonous Leprosy without Armadillo Exposure, Eastern United States

Abstract

Autochthonous leprosy has been reported in New York City, where there are no wild armadillos. Recent autochthonous cases also have been reported in Georgia and Florida and blamed on armadillos, including cases with no known armadillo exposure. International migration needs to be considered as a cause of autochthonous leprosy.

Keywords

• immigration
• armadillo
• Mycobacterium leprae
• tuberculosis and other mycobacteria
• leprosy
• New York