Rising evidence is pointing to the possibility that leprosy has become endemic in the southeastern U.S. with Florida being named at the top.

  • athos77@kbin.social
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    1 year ago

    Armadillos have been the main cause of the spread of leprosy in the South-Eastern United States for decades. I don’t know if the increase is due to more people walking barefoot, man increasingly encroaching on armadillo habitats, an increase in the armadillo population, the leprosy bacteria surviving longer as the weather changes, something else, or some combination. But if you live in an area with armadillos, you should wear shoes outdoors.

    • nothing@lemm.ee
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      1 year ago

      This is very confusing! I think you’re saying: don’t walk barefoot outdoors where there’s a bacterial contamination concern. This seems too simple! Please help!

    • JoJoGAH@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Duly noted, seems like everyone but me knew this! Growing up in the south , barefoot is very natural. I’ve done tons of stuff barefoot. However, once I’ve learned this, it will no longer be a pleasure I’ll take part in. Glad you wrote that out because it’s not something they put in the papers, so to say. It’s damn sure not going to be shared by many people who like to live with their head up there ass so here I am, thank you!