Public health officials in Larimer County, Colorado, confirmed on June 9 that tularemia was detected in a deceased rabbit, signaling an elevated risk for human exposure as summer outdoor activities peak. The bacterial disease spreads through contact with infected wildlife, insect bites, or contaminated environmental dust, prompting officials to urge residents to use insect repellent and avoid direct contact with wild animals.
What is tularemia and how does it spread?
Tularemia, often referred to as “rabbit fever,” is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the pathogen primarily resides in rabbits, hares, and various rodent populations. Humans typically contract the illness through the bite of infected ticks or deer flies. Beyond insect vectors, the CDC notes that transmission can occur when individuals handle infected animal tissue, inhale contaminated dust stirred up during landscaping or farming, or consume water tainted by the bacteria.
How rare is tularemia in humans?
Tularemia remains a relatively rare diagnosis in the United States. Data from the CDC shows that 196 human cases were reported nationwide in 2023. This current figure represents a significant decline from mid-20th-century trends, when annual case counts frequently hovered around 1,000. Despite this downward historical trend, Paul Mayer, the Larimer County health department’s medical officer, emphasized that the confirmed presence of the bacteria in local wildlife makes preventive measures necessary for those living or recreating in the region.
How to protect yourself from exposure
Health authorities in Colorado have issued specific guidance to minimize the risk of infection. According to the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment, residents should:
- Use repellent: Apply EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin to ward off ticks and biting flies.
- Manage landscaping: Wear a dust mask when mowing, using a leaf blower, or digging in soil where contaminated dust may become airborne.
- Handle wildlife safely: Wear protective gloves if it is necessary to remove a dead animal from your property and avoid all direct contact with wild rabbits or squirrels.
- Check for ticks: Perform thorough skin checks after spending time outdoors, particularly in tall grass or brushy areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I catch tularemia from my pet?
Yes. Pets can contract the disease by hunting infected wildlife or through tick bites and may subsequently pass the bacteria to humans through contact. Keep pets away from sick or dead wild animals.
What are the symptoms of tularemia?
Symptoms vary depending on the route of exposure but often include sudden fever, chills, headaches, and fatigue. Skin ulcers or swollen lymph glands may also appear if the bacteria entered through a bite or skin contact.
Is tularemia treatable?
Yes. The CDC confirms that tularemia is treated with antibiotics. Early diagnosis by a healthcare provider is essential for an effective recovery.
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