Tularemia

Alternative names:

deerfly fever; rabbit fever

Definition:

An infection in wild rodents that is caused by the organism Francisella tularensis, and transmitted to humans by contact with animal tissues or ticks.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Humans can contract the disease from direct contact with an infected animal or carcass via broken skin; from the bite of an infected flea or tick; or from ingesting infected meat (rare). Endemic areas (areas where the disorder occurs most commonly) include North America and parts of Europe and Asia. The illness may continue for several weeks after the onset of symptoms. Some people may develop an atypical pneumonia. Risk factors include recent exposure to rabbits or recent tick bite. The disease affects approximately 1 in 100,000 people per year.