Tularemia: Learn About The Causes And Symptoms Of This Disease

Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, is a type of bacterial infection that mainly occurs in Europe, Asia and North America. Learn more about the causes and symptoms of this condition in today’s article.

Tularemia is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis . It is present in cold climates and substances such as bleach cannot destroy it effectively.

However, it is quite sensitive to many common household disinfectants. In the following article, we will provide some information on the causes and symptoms of tularemia.

This disease is an infection that affects animals but is able to spread to humans. The species that act as reservoirs for bacteria are small mammals. These include mice and squirrels, as well as hares and rabbits. These bacteria spread throughout the Northern Hemisphere: Europe, Asia and North America.

Doctors have known about the disease since 1911. An outbreak of infections in California led to the identification of the bacteria.

Nowadays, one hundred years later, it is recognized that these weapons can be used as biological weapons. This is why there is a legal obligation to report all cases to the competent authorities.

Data on tularemia

Tularemia is most common in two age groups: in children from five to nine years of age and in the elderly over 75 years of age.

It occurs mainly in two seasons: northern hemisphere summer (May to August) and winter (November to February).

These characteristics of infections mean that there are certain people with certain jobs or habits who are more likely to be exposed to the bacteria, for example:

• Gardeners : Exposure to bacteria can occur through inhalation.
• Vets : Contact with the bacterium occurs through direct contact with animals.
• Hunters : People who hunt may come into contact with bacteria due to contact with the carcasses of animals and when eating meat.

How is tularemia spread?

Tularemia is transmitted from animal to human and from animal to animal, but never from person to person. A sick person is not able to infect a healthy person. Therefore, there is no need to isolate patients.

The methods of transmission from animals to humans include:

• Physical contact : This is one of the most common forms of infection. Humans come into contact with the body of an animal that suffers from tularemia. Transmission usually occurs due to existing wounds and contact with mucous membranes. People who are most at risk of infection are rural hunters, veterinarians and farmers. Bacteria can spread through contact with living animals or their carcasses.

• Stings: Some arthropods are also able to transmit this disease. These include, for example, ticks and horse flies. For more than a decade, experts have also known that transmissions also occur in animals not previously considered vectors, such as crayfish.
• Contaminated Water: This is a minor source of contamination, but important enough to be considered. Experts estimate that about 10% of all infections recorded in the United States come from drinking water that has been contaminated with the bacterium.
• Inhalation: This bacteria can become embedded in airborne dust that collects during agricultural activities. People inhale this dust and the disease attacks their respiratory system.

Symptoms of tularemia

The incubation period, the time it takes from exposure to the bacteria and the onset of symptoms, is short. Usually three to five days is enough. In some cases, the first symptoms may appear even after fourteen days.

The clinical picture depends on the place of penetration of microorganisms. The following variants of tularemia may appear:

• Ulcer-glandular: This is the most common form. It occurs when infection is caused by direct skin contact, resulting in an ulcer at the site of contact. This is followed by fever, swollen lymph nodes, extreme exhaustion and headache.
• Glandular : This variant variety wrzodowo-glandular, in which the point of contact does not appear cutaneous ulcer.

• Ocular : In this clinical picture there are symptoms related to the eyes. People suffering from infection experience eye pain, discharge from the eyelids, redness of the eyes and swelling of the soft tissues around the eyelids.
• Oropharyngeal : This is a symptom of tularemia that affects the digestive system. It usually occurs when infection is caused by ingesting contaminated meat or water. Patients may suffer from fever, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea and mouth ulcers.
• Pulmonary : This pneumonia is caused by the bacterium tularemia. Symptoms include cough, fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
• Typhoid: This is the rarest manifestation, but it may turn out to be the most severe. Organs such as the spleen and liver are enlarged, fever is very high, and gastrointestinal symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea.

Treatment of tularemia

Antibiotics work well in the treatment of tularemia. It is a serious disease, but it is completely curable if detected early and treated with the correct medications.

Treatment with antibiotics can be by mouth or by intramuscular or intravenous injection. The most commonly used drugs are streptomycin and getamycin. Doctors usually prescribe oxycycline for the oral route.

The professional will decide which drug to use, taking into account the clinical picture and the characteristics of the patient.

In addition to the antibiotic, the doctor will also prescribe the appropriate measures to suit each symptom. He can also prescribe fever-reducing medications, anti-sickness medications, and painkillers. If the disease is dangerous for some organs, hospitalization may be necessary.

It is assumed that when someone becomes infected with tularemia, they become resistant to the bacteria for the rest of their life. This means that he cannot get infected with it again. However, a few re-infections have been reported, so even those who have had tularemia must take proper precautions.

If you have ever been in places where rodents are present, have taken part in hunting or performed various veterinary or agricultural activities, and after a few days you develop a fever or experience any symptoms of tularemia, be sure to contact a doctor who will check you.