What is a Tularemia?
Tularemia, also known as “rabbit fever,” is a disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which can affect both animals and humans. It is typically found in animals, especially rodents, rabbits, and hares, and can be spread to humans through tick or fly bites, direct contact with infected animals, or ** ingestion** of contaminated food or water.
Overview of Tularemia
Tularemia is a rural disease that has been reported in all U.S. states except Hawaii, with most cases occurring in the south-central and western states.
FAQs about Tularemia
1. Can Tularemia be Cured?
Antibiotics such as streptomycin, gentamicin, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin are used to treat tularemia, with treatment usually lasting 10 to 21 days.
2. What is the Cause of Tularemia?
Tularemia is caused by the highly infectious gram-negative coccobacillus Francisella tularensis, which can infect humans and animals through inhalation, direct contact, ingestion, or vector-borne transmission.
3. Can Tularemia Spread to Humans?
Yes, tularemia can spread to humans from infected animals or ticks, but it is not spread person-to-person.
4. What Kills Tularemia?
Francisella tularensis can be killed by disinfectants such as 1% hypochlorite, 70% ethanol, glutaraldehyde, and formaldehyde, as well as moist heat and dry heat.
5. What Does Tularemia Do to the Body?
Tularemia can affect various organs and systems, including the lymph nodes, skin, eyes, throat, intestines, and lungs, and can cause inflammation in severe cases.
6. Is Tularemia Life-Threatening?
Yes, tularemia can be fatal if left untreated, with a mortality rate of 5-15%, but antibiotics can lower this rate to about 1%.
7. What are the First Symptoms of Tularemia?
Symptoms of tularemia can include skin ulcers, swollen lymph glands, inflamed eyes, sore throat, mouth sores, diarrhea, and pneumonia, and can appear 1-14 days after exposure.
8. What States Have Tularemia?
Tularemia has been reported in all U.S. states except Hawaii, with most cases occurring in the south-central and western states.
9. How Common is it to Get Tularemia?
Tularemia is a rare disease in the United States, with approximately 100-200 new cases reported each year, mostly affecting males.
10. How Fast Do Tularemia Symptoms Appear?
Symptoms of tularemia can appear 1-14 days after exposure, but usually do so after 3-5 days.
11. What is the Treatment for Tularemia?
The drug of choice for treating tularemia is streptomycin or gentamicin, although other antibiotics are also effective.
12. What Happens if Tularemia Goes Untreated?
Untreated tularemia can have a mortality rate of 5-15%, but appropriate antibiotics can lower this rate to about 1%.
13. What is the Mortality Rate for Tularemia?
The mortality rate for tularemia can range from 40-60% if prompt treatment is not sought, especially in cases of typhoidal tularemia.
14. Where is Tularemia Most Common?
Tularemia is most common in the south-central United States, the Pacific Northwest, and parts of Massachusetts, including Martha’s Vineyard.
15. Will Tularemia Go Away on its Own?
No, tularemia will not go away on its own and requires antibiotic treatment to cure the disease.