Tularemia

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KEY POINTS

• Tularemia is a type of bacteria that can infect people and animals. Tularemia infections in people are rare in the US.
• Tularemia infections can be fatal if they are not treated early with antibiotics.
• If you are currently in an area where tularemia has been found AND you have suspicious symptoms, report them to your healthcare provider.

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What is tularemia?

Tularemia is a type of bacteria that can infect animals and people. Tularemia infections in people are rare in the US, but the infection can be fatal if it is not treated early with antibiotics.

What is the cause?

Infection is more likely from May through September when people spend more time outdoors. You may get infected with tularemia if:

• You handle infected animals.
• You are bitten by a tick or a deer fly.

  Ticks are found in woodlands, grasslands, and marshlands and at the seashore. Wild birds and animals, as well as domestic animals and pets such as dogs, horses, and cows, can carry ticks. Ticks may climb on humans from animals, leaves, or low-lying brush. Ticks cannot jump or fly.

• You breathe the bacteria into your lungs.
• You drink contaminated water.
• You work with the bacteria in a lab.

Tularemia is not spread from person-to-person by coughing.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually start 3 to 5 days after you are exposed to the bacteria, but can take as long as 14 days. Symptoms may include:

• Sudden fever and chills
• Shortness of breath or coughing
• Headache
• Feeling weak
• Diarrhea
• Muscle and joint pain
• Sores on the skin or in your mouth
• Swollen and painful glands
• Sore throat

The symptoms may get worse quickly.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and examine you. You will have blood tests to check for bacteria. Your healthcare provider may use a swab to test any sores you have. If there is a chance you have been exposed, you may need to start treatment before the test results are back.

How is it treated?

Tularemia is treated with antibiotics. It is very important to get treatment as soon as possible.

How can I take care of myself?

Follow the full course of treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider. Ask your provider:

• How and when you will get your test results
• If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

How can I help prevent tularemia?

To help prevent tularemia, you can:

• Take precautions to avoid insect bites:
  • Use an insect repellent whenever you are outdoors. Don't use more repellent than recommended in the package directions. Don't put repellent on open wounds or rashes. Don’t put it near your eyes or mouth. When using sprays for the skin, don’t spray the repellent directly on your face. Spray the repellent on your hands first and then put it on your face. Then wash the spray off your hands.
  • In areas of thick underbrush, try to stay near the center of trails.
  • When you are outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts tucked into your pants. Wear your pants tucked into your socks or boot tops if possible. A hat may help, too. Wearing light-colored clothing may make it easier to spot a small tick before it reaches your skin and bites. While you are outside, check for ticks every 4 hours and remove any ticks on clothing or exposed skin.
• Check your pets for ticks.
• Wear gloves when handling sick or dead animals, especially rabbits, prairie dogs, or other rodents.
• Avoid mowing over dead animals. Wear masks during mowing and other landscaping activities to reduce your risk of inhaling the bacteria.
• Cook game meat, especially rabbits, thoroughly before you eat it.
• When you are camping or hiking, drink water only after it has been purified with boiling, proper filtration, or disinfectant tablets (available at most sporting or camping stores).