DENVER (KDVR) — A uncommon illness related to rodents, ticks and deerflies has been confirmed in a Wheat Ridge resident.
Jefferson County Public Well being mentioned the resident had tularemia — that is the primary optimistic human case in Jefferson County in 2024.
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Tularemia is a bacterial illness also called “rabbit fever.” It may be transmitted to people by way of contaminated bugs, animals, contaminated meals or water or airborne micro organism.
In June, Boulder County recognized the illness in a lifeless rabbit.
“Whereas tularemia is uncommon, it can be crucial for residents to pay attention to the signs and take preventive measures,” mentioned Rachel Reichardt, an environmental well being specialist at Jefferson County Public Well being. “Immediate remedy with antibiotics is efficient, so early prognosis and medical consideration are essential.”
What are the signs in people?
In response to Jefferson County Public Well being, the signs can range relying on how the an infection was transmitted.
Some signs embody fever, non-healing pores and skin ulcer on the web site of an infection and swollen and painful lymph glands. If the an infection was brought on by ingesting contaminated meals or water, the particular person may need a sore throat, mouth sores, stomach ache and diarrhea.
If the micro organism is airborne and inhaled, the signs might embody pneumonia, fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, dry cough and progressive weak spot.
Is Tularemia treatable?
Jefferson County Public Well being mentioned tularemia will be handled efficiently and cured. When you’ve got any of the signs listed and suppose you will have been in touch with an contaminated animal or insect, see your doctor instantly.
In 2023, there have been 4 human circumstances of tularemia in Boulder County and 11 complete in Colorado.
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Previously 13 years, Colorado has seen a mean of 5.8 human tularemia circumstances, besides in 2015 when there was a spike with 52 reported circumstances, based on the state well being division.
The way to stop publicity
Now that tularemia has been recognized in each people and animals, Jefferson County Public Well being has these recommendations on the right way to keep secure.
Use insect repellent whereas open air
Keep away from all contact with wild rodents
Don’t feed or entice any rodent or rabbit into your yard or patio
Do away with piles of lumber, trash and weeds round your own home
Keep away from touching sick or lifeless animals, or put on gloves if needed
Don’t mow over lifeless animals
Don’t drink untreated floor water, like lakes, ponds and rivers
Be sure you cook dinner meat totally earlier than consuming
Hold pets on a leash whereas in areas the place contact with wildlife is feasible
Seek the advice of a veterinarian for any pet interplay
Present instant veterinary look after sick pets and don’t deal with sick pets with out utilizing hand and face safety
Extra info on the uncommon illness will be discovered on Jefferson County Public Well being’s web site.