What is tularemia?
- Tularemia is an infection caused by the bacteria Francisella
tularensis that can affect animals and humans. About 200 cases of human
tularemia are reported each year in the United States. Bites from
infected ticks and the handling of infected rabbits are responsible for
most tularemia cases in the United States. If tularemia were to be
released intentionally, as in a bioterror event, the bacteria would most
likely be released into the air to be breathed in.
How is tularemia spread? What are the symptoms?
- You can get tularemia by handling infected animals, by eating or
drinking contaminated food or water or by inhaling contaminated dusts or
sprays. Tularemia is not spread from person to person.
- Depending on the type of exposure tularemia can occur in several
forms:
- Infection of the lungs (pneumonic) - the most common form
and is caused by
inhaling the bacteria through contaminated dusts or aerosols.
- Enlargement of lymph glands in the neck and inflammation of the
throat - occurs most commonly after ingesting contaminated food or
water
- Swollen lymph glands with or without a skin ulcer - can occur
after handling contaminated materials or being bitten by infected
ticks or other biting insects such as deer flies.
- All forms of the disease are accompanied by flu-like symptoms, such
as fever, chills, headaches, body aches, and weakness that usually occur
three to five days after exposure to the bacteria.
A person with pneumonia can develop chest pain, difficulty breathing and
respiratory failure.
Preventive measures
- If you have symptoms, please consult a healthcare provider as soon
as possible. If you believe you have been intentionally exposed to
tularemia, you should contact law enforcement officials immediately.
- In the event of exposure to tularemia, antibiotic treatment to
prevent infection may be recommended. Currently
there is no vaccine available for general use.
Treatment for tularemia
- Early treatment of tularemia with appropriate antibiotics is
essential. Antibiotics should be used to prevent or treat tularemia only
under the direction of your healthcare provider or local health
department.
Revised - March 2008
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