Environmental Exposures Relative to Locally Acquired Hansen Disease, United States

TL;DR

This study explores how contact with nine-banded armadillos may contribute to the spread of Hansen disease in the United States.

Contribution

The study provides evidence linking outdoor activities and armadillo contact to Hansen disease exposure.

Findings

Frequent outdoor activities were associated with higher risk of Hansen disease.

Contact with nine-banded armadillos was identified as a likely source of exposure.

The study was conducted using a telephone survey and chart review in a Georgia clinic.

Abstract

Nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) are suspected transmission sources of Hansen disease in North America. We conducted a telephone survey and chart review of patients with Hansen disease seen at a Georgia, USA, clinic during 1997–2022. Findings suggest frequent outdoor activities and armadillo contact were likely sources of exposure.

Figures