First case of tularemia discovered in Jefferson County

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — A human case of tularemia, a bacterial disease spread primarily among rodents and insects, has been found in Jefferson County, public health officials announced earlier this week.

The case was reported in a Wheat Ridge resident and marks the first human-caused case of tularemia in the county in 2024, according to a Jefferson County Public Health spokesperson.

Also known as tularemia, the disease is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis and primarily infects rodents, rabbits and insects such as ticks and deer flies, but can also be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected animal or insect, or by ingesting the bacteria in contaminated water, food or air.

“Though tularemia is rare, it is important that residents recognize the symptoms and take preventative measures,” said Rachel Reichardt, Environmental Health Specialist with Jefferson County Public Health. “Prompt treatment with antibiotics is effective, so early diagnosis and medical attention are crucial.”

Symptoms include fever, non-healing skin ulcers at the site of infection and swollen and painful lymph nodes, the spokesman said.

If infected by ingesting contaminated food or water, symptoms include a sore throat, mouth sores, stomach pain and diarrhea. If the bacteria is inhaled, it can lead to pneumonia and symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, dry cough and progressive weakness, the spokesman added.

County health officials recommend that residents take the following steps to prevent infection:

• Be sure to use insect repellent during any outdoor activities.
• Avoid contact with wild rodents at all costs.
• Do not feed rodents or rabbits or allow them to enter your garden or patio.
• Remove wood, trash, and weed piles around the house.
• Avoid touching sick or dead animals and wear gloves if necessary.
• Do not mow over dead animals.
• Do not drink untreated surface water (lakes, ponds, rivers).
• Be sure to cook the meat thoroughly before eating.
• Keep pets on a lead where they may come into contact with wildlife.
• Please consult your veterinarian regarding contact with pets.
• Get sick pets veterinary care right away and never handle a sick pet without protecting your hands and face.

Tularemia can be effectively treated and cured, but if you experience symptoms associated with tularemia after visiting an area where you may come into contact with wildlife, it is best to see a health care provider.

Last year, there were just nine cases of tularemia in Colorado. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE),.

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