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Tularemia is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. It is also known as rabbit fever or deer fly fever, reflecting its common vectors and hosts. The disease primarily affects small mammals, particularly rabbits, hares, and rodents, but can also infect humans, leading to severe illness. Tularemia is found mainly in the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of North America, Europe, and Asia.

Transmission

Tularemia can be transmitted to humans through several routes:

• Direct contact with infected animals, through skin cuts or abrasions
• Bites by infected ticks, mosquitoes, or flies
• Inhalation of contaminated aerosols or agricultural dusts
• Ingestion of contaminated water or undercooked meat of infected animals
• Laboratory exposure

Symptoms

The symptoms of tularemia vary depending on the route of infection but generally include sudden fever, chills, headaches, diarrhea, muscle aches, joint pain, dry cough, and progressive weakness. Specific forms of the disease can cause skin ulcers, swollen and painful lymph glands, inflamed eyes, sore throat, oral ulcers, or pneumonia.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of tularemia is based on clinical symptoms and confirmed through laboratory tests, including culture, serology, or molecular methods to detect F. tularensis DNA.

Treatment

Tularemia can be effectively treated with antibiotics, particularly streptomycin or gentamicin. Other antibiotics such as doxycycline or ciprofloxacin may also be used, especially in less severe cases or when first-line treatments are not available.

Prevention

Preventive measures include using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants in endemic areas, cooking meat thoroughly, and avoiding untreated water. In some high-risk occupations, wearing protective gloves and masks can help prevent infection.

Epidemiology

Tularemia is relatively rare in humans, with a few hundred cases reported annually in the United States. Outbreaks can occur in rural areas where humans come into contact with infected animals or vectors. Climate and environmental changes may influence the distribution and frequency of tularemia outbreaks.

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