Types Of Tularemia And Their Symptoms

Also known as rabbit fever, tularemia is a rare type of infectious disease caused by the Francisella tularensisbacterium. The disease affects humans and other mammals, including rabbits, mice, and squirrels. Humans can become infected with tularemia after being bitten by a tick or deer fly that carries the bacteria. Drinking contaminated water, having skin contact with an infected animal, and laboratory exposure are other possible routes of transmission for this disease. After exposure, symptoms can begin in as little as three days to five days. For some types of tularemia, symptoms may not appear until two weeks after infection. In the United States, this condition is most prevalent in the western and southern parts of the country, and several hundred cases are diagnosed each year across the nation. Blood tests and sputum samples can be used to diagnose tularemia, and doctors may also perform a chest x-ray to check for complications such as pneumonia. If a diagnosis of tularemia is confirmed, clinicians will provide treatment with antibiotics. Streptomycin or gentamicin may be administered as injections, and doxycycline and other oral antibiotics might be needed as well.

Fever is a symptom that occurs with all types of tularemia, and some patients with the condition may have a fever as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The other symptoms vary widely depending on which type of tularemia a patient has. The major types and signs associated with tularemia are discussed below.

Ulceroglandular Tularemia

Ulceroglandular tularemia is the most common form of tularemia, and it is normally transmitted through a bite from an infected tick, mosquito, or deer fly. Individuals who have handled infected animals may also develop this type of tularemia. Ulcers, one of the defining features of this form of the condition, typically appear on the skin at the site where the bacteria enters the body, and some patients may have a rash at the infection site. In addition, lymph nodes near the ulcer will become swollen and painful, and this often occurs in the lymph nodes of the groin or armpits. Some patients may experience chills, headaches, joint pain, a sore throat, and diarrhea with this type of tularemia. Many patients also feel very fatigued with this infection. The ulcers and skin rashes associated with this form of the disease may need to be dressed and treated with medication to prevent blistering, and doctors will carefully monitor swollen lymph nodes to make sure they resolve.

Keep reading to learn more about the different types of tularemia now.