Although the disease is considered a scourge from Biblical times, there are in fact as many as 200,000 Americans infected with Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s Disease.

Three new cases have recently emerged in Volusia County. Officials say that the patients became infected through contact with armadillos. These armored little mammals can carry the bacteria under their shells. Interaction between armadillos and people is fairly common in the Southern states. There are reports that people in Texas and Louisiana even keep them as pets.

The incubation period for the disease, meaning the time it takes between getting infection and seeing symptoms can be anywhere from nine months to 20 years.

“Ninety-five percent of the people have natural immunity to it. And then, even for the people that are not immune to it, it’s real hard to catch,” said Dr. Paul Rehme of the Volusia County Health Department. In went on to add that the disease is no longer contagious after a few days of antibiotic treatment.

These days, Leprosy can be cleared up with a simple medicine, however, treatment can last between six months and two years.

Leprosy is a infection that affects the skin and nerve cells of a person. It prevents the person from feeling pain. Tough patches and growths or lesions appear on the skin. Extremities are lost due to repeated injuries.

The disease is spread through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids or any general close contact with someone who has not been treated with antibiotics.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises people to avoid contact with armadillos in order to limit the possibility of interacting with the disease.