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ISDH Home > Health Information by Topic - A-Z >> > Communicable Disease Quick Facts > Tularemia Tularemia

About... Tularemia

What is tularemia?

Tularemia is a bacterial infection usually found in small mammals such as mice, rats, squirrels, rabbits and hares. Occasionally, water may also be contaminated. People are more likely to be exposed in rural settings, although urban and suburban exposures occasionally occur.

How is tularemia spread?

Humans become infected through environmental exposures and can develop severe, sometimes fatal illness. Infection typically occurs from:

  • Bites by infected insects, and ticks
  • Handling infectious animal tissues or fluids
  • Direct contact with or ingestion of contaminated water, food or soil
  • Inhalation of infective aerosols.

Tularemia is NOT spread from person to person.

What are the symptoms of tularemia?

Onset of tularemia is usually sudden, with fever, headache, chills, generalized body aches (often in lower back), runny nose, and sore throat. Sweats, fever and chills, progressive weakness, loss of appetite, and weight loss characterize the continuing illness. If untreated, symptoms often persist for several weeks or months usually with progressive debility.

How is tularemia diagnosed?

Physician’s complete a thorough physical examination and laboratory testing to confirm whether or not you have tularemia. Once diagnosed, tularemia can be treated with appropriate antibiotics. Treatment typically lasts at least 14 days to prevent relapse. As tularemia is not transmitted person to person, there is not a need for isolation.

Are there complications from tularemia?

In untreated tularemia, symptoms often persist for several weeks and sometimes, for months, usually with progressive debility. Any form of tularemia may be complicated by blood infection, and rarely, meningitis.

How can tularemia be prevented?

  • Educate yourself on the proper handling of sick or dead animals, particularly when hunting, camping, or butchering; and avoid handling them if at all possible.
  • Take personal protective measures against biting insects while engaging in outdoor activities.

Is there a vaccine for tularemia?

Currently, there is no vaccine available.

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