Tularemia

An infectious disease common to both animals and humans, tularemia arises from the bacterium Francisella tularensis. The disease derives its name from a location in California, where scientists isolated the bacterium in 1912. Tularemia cases occur worldwide, especially in the Northern Hemisphere, including regions such as North America, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Scandinavian countries, China, and Japan. The causative agents parasitize over 100 wild vertebrate and invertebrate animals (rabbits, hares, muskrats, beavers, deer, cattle, elk, skunks, etc.) as well as domestic animals (dogs, cats, sheep, etc.). Infected and deceased animals contaminate the external environment (soil, water, feed, etc.), affecting healthy animals through this contamination. Various vectors, such as ticks and flies, spread the bacteria. Consequently, natural foci of tularemia form, usually in river deltas, wetlands, and broad-leaved forests.

The pathogen can enter the human body through the skin or mucous membranes (especially the eyes) when handling the fur of infected animals, processing meat, or being bitten by ticks, flies, or fleas. Infection can also occur through contaminated food, water, inhaling dust or water aerosol, or contact with infected rodent secretions. There is no risk of infection from a person with tularemia. This disease is more common among rural residents, slaughterhouse workers, agricultural workers, foresters, and hunters. The incubation period lasts from 1 to 25 days, usually between 3 to 7 days. The disease begins acutely with symptoms including chills, a temperature rise to 38.5-40°C, headache, muscle pain, general weakness, poor appetite, and disrupted sleep. The disease most commonly occurs from June to September.