10 Tularemia Symptoms

By lio

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Signs and Symptoms of Tularemia | CDC.' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18 Dec. 2019, www.cdc.gov/tularemia/signssymptoms/index.html
• 2. 'Tularemia - Symptoms and Causes.' Mayo Clinic, 29 Aug. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tularemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20378635
• 3. 'Tularemia: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.' MedlinePlus - Health Information from the National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000856.htm
• 4. 'Tularaemia. Understand About Tularaemia Zoonosis Infection.' Symptom Checker, Health Information and Medicines Guide | Patient, 19 Oct. 2016, patient.info/doctor/tularaemia

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Tularemia is a rare but highly contagious disease. While it commonly affects rabbits and rodents, it can pass to humans through contact with infected animals, tick bites and breathing in or drinking liquid containing the bacteria.¹‘Signs and Symptoms of Tularemia | CDC.’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18 Dec. 2019, www.cdc.gov/tularemia/signssymptoms/index.html

If even a few bacteria enter the body, they can make a person ill in days. The symptoms can range widely depending on how the infection enters the body and the type of tularemia the person has.⁴‘Tularaemia. Understand About Tularaemia Zoonosis Infection.’ Symptom Checker, Health Information and Medicines Guide | Patient, 19 Oct. 2016, patient.info/doctor/tularaemia The infection may be mild. However, if unaddressed, it can spread to the brain, heart or bones and lead to life-threatening complications such as meningitis or pneumonia.³‘Tularemia: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.’ MedlinePlus - Health Information from the National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000856.htm

Skin Ulcers

Roughly 80% of people with tularemia have what's called the ulceroglandular type of infection.⁴‘Tularaemia. Understand About Tularaemia Zoonosis Infection.’ Symptom Checker, Health Information and Medicines Guide | Patient, 19 Oct. 2016, patient.info/doctor/tularaemia Commonly, a person with this type was bitten by a tick, or they were exposed to an infected animal. Sometimes, the bacteria can also enter through a scrape or wound.²‘Tularemia - Symptoms and Causes.’ Mayo Clinic, 29 Aug. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tularemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20378635

A red spot may develop on the place on the skin where the bacteria entered the body. Over time, an ulcer forms on the skin. This sore may be painful and slow to heal. If a person who works outside or with animals develops skin ulcers, they should see a doctor to discuss a possible infection.³‘Tularemia: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.’ MedlinePlus - Health Information from the National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000856.htm