Terrorism > Tularemia

What is tularemia?
Tularemia, one of the most contagious diseases known to man, is a bacterial infection associated with humans and animals. Although the rabbit is known for tularemia, other wild animals can also be infected.

Who can get tularemia?
It is common in the United Statesat any time during the year.

How does a person contact tularemia?
A person can contact tularemia via direct contact with an infected animal. Infection is actually caused by broken skin that comes in contact with an infected animal. Other ways to contact tularemia are through an infected flea bite and eating infected rare meat.

What are the symptoms?

  • Ulcer that grows slowly
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Sweating
  • Joint stiffness
  • Weight loss

When do symptoms appear?
Symptoms can appear 1 to 14 days after contact. However, they typically appear 2 to 3 days after contact.

What testing is performed?

  • Chest X-ray

  • Serology

  • Blood culture

What is the treatment for tularemia?
Treatment usually consists of the following antibiotics: streptomycin and tetracycline. Other antibiotics have been found to be ineffective.

Is a person immune to tularemia after the first case?
Typically, however, in rare cases it has been known to occur again.

What precautionary measures can a person take to prevent tularemia?

  • Avoid drinking, swimming, or bathing in untreated water.

  • Use impermeable gloves for skin when handling animals, especially rabbits.

  • Make sure that meat of rodents or animals is cooked thoroughly.

  • Avoid deer flies and tick bites via the following measures

  • Check your clothing for ticks. Wear light colored clothing so you can see if there are any ticks.
  • Use an insect repellant containing DEET to the exposed skin.
  • When walking outside, avoid brushing up against weeds
  • Check yourself every couple of hours for ticks
  • Check your pet for ticks.

Can tularemia be used as a weapon?
If tularemia were used as a weapon, it would most likely be aerosolized, causing a serious, deadly form of the disease. Death rates for tularemia are as high as 30 to 60 percent without medical intervention.