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TULAREMIA:
IDENTIFICATION: Tularemia is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium that affects both animals and humans. It is typically found in animals such as rabbits, beavers, muskrat, rodents, and hares. In Illinois there are usually about 5 cases reported each year in humans. INFECTION: Eating or drinking contaminated food or water, inhaling dust from contaminated soil, or handling contaminated animal carcasses are some of the ways that people contact the disease. The disease is spread among animals by an infected animal such as a beaver or muskrat dying in a pond or lake. As the body decomposes large amounts of the bacteria are released into the water. Swimming in, or drinking this water then infects other animals. Humans may also be infected by swimming in infected waterways through the eyes, nose, or any open cuts or wounds. Tularemia does not spread from person to person. SYMPTOMS: Symptoms vary depending on how the bacteria are introduced. Handling infected carcasses can cause a slow growing ulcer to appear at the area where the bacteria entered the skin. Swollen or painful lymph glands, diarrhea, vomiting, pneumonia like symptoms, or abdominal pains may appear if the bacteria are ingested or inhaled. Symptoms usually appear after 3-5 days but may take as long as 14 days to appear after exposure. TREATMENT: There are no vaccines for tularemia although treatments with antibiotics are effective. The disease can be fatal if not treated. Early detection and treatment may help to minimize the symptoms of tularemia. Any person suspected of exposure should seek medical attention immediately. 815-467-4039
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