17775 Tularemia

Overview

Tularemia is a rare bacterial infection caused by Francisella tularensis. It is also called rabbit fever or deer fly fever. People can catch it from handling sick or dead animals, most often rabbits, or from insect bites such as ticks and deer flies. It can cause a range of symptoms depending on where the bacteria enter the body.

No, tularemia is uncommon. In most countries only a small number of cases are reported each year. It is mainly seen in rural areas.

Anyone can get tularemia, but it most often affects people who work with animals, farmers, hunters, gardeners, and people who spend a lot of time outdoors in areas where the bacteria are present.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sudden fever and chills
• Tiredness and weakness
• Headache and muscle aches
• Swollen, tender lymph nodes (glands)
• A skin ulcer (sore) where the bacteria got in
• Sore throat, cough, or chest pain if the lungs are affected

Causes

Main causes

• Handling infected animals, especially rabbits, hares, and rodents
• Being bitten by an infected tick, deer fly, or other insect
• Breathing in dust or mist contaminated with the bacteria, such as from soil, vegetation, or animal droppings
• Drinking contaminated water or eating undercooked meat from an infected animal

Risk factors

• Hunters and trappers who handle wild animals
• Farmers and agricultural workers
• Landscaping and forestry workers
• Veterinary staff
• Campers and hikers in areas where tularemia is known to occur

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have a high fever, feel extremely unwell, or have a skin sore and swollen glands after contact with animals or insect bites, see a doctor as soon as possible.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Even if your symptoms are mild, tell your doctor if you think you might have been exposed. Tularemia-like symptoms can be treated successfully if diagnosed early.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms and anything that might have exposed you to the bacteria, such as recent animal contact or insect bites. Because tularemia is rare, your doctor will also check for more common illnesses with similar symptoms.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to look for antibodies or genetic material (PCR)
• A culture of blood, wound fluid, or sputum (phlegm)
• Swelling of lymph nodes – sometimes a sample from a node is tested

What to expect at your appointment

The diagnosis may take time because the bacteria are hard to grow in a lab. Your doctor will likely start antibiotics while you wait for results. Do not delay – early treatment improves the outcome.

Treatment

Tularemia is treated with antibiotics. The choice and length of treatment depends on your age, overall health, and how severe the illness is. Treatment usually lasts one to a few weeks. Most people recover fully, especially when treatment starts early.

Self-care at home

• Rest as much as possible while your body fights the infection.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay well hydrated.
• Keep any skin wounds clean and covered with a bandage.
• Use over-the-counter fever and pain relief only as advised by your doctor or pharmacist.

Medical treatments

Doctors prescribe antibiotics that fight the bacteria responsible for tularemia. Do not use antibiotics on your own – you need a specific prescription. If there are abscesses (collections of pus) in lymph nodes, a doctor may need to drain them.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not usually needed. Occasionally, an infected lymph node might need to be drained if it becomes an abscess.

Living with this condition

During treatment, you may feel very tired. Plan for a couple of weeks of rest and reduced activity. Follow your doctor's instructions about finishing your entire course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid close contact with wild animals, especially sick or dead ones.
• Wear protective gloves when gardening, hunting, or handling animal carcasses.
• Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves in wooded areas.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables to help your immune system. When you feel ready, gentle activity like short walks can help you regain strength. Always listen to your body and rest if you feel tired.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being ill with any infection can make you feel anxious or low. If you find yourself feeling stressed, sad, or struggling to cope, talk to your healthcare team. They can point you to the right kind of help.

Prevention

Yes, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk. Wash your hands after being outdoors, wear gloves when handling animals or soil, cook meat thoroughly, and avoid drinking untreated water. Using insect repellent and checking for ticks after walks also helps.

Vaccines

There is no widely available vaccine for tularemia for the general public.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for the general public.

Complications

If left untreated

• Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
• Abscesses (pus collection) in lymph nodes
• Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
• Infection of the lining of the heart or brain
• Severe spread of infection through the body

Long-term outlook

With prompt treatment, most people with tularemia recover fully and do not have long-term problems. Even in more severe cases, treatment is usually effective. It is important not to wait for symptoms to get worse, because early medical care gives the best outcome.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.