JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — A human case of tularemia, a bacterial illness that principally spreads between rodents and bugs, has been present in Jefferson County, public well being officers stated earlier this week.The case was reported in a Wheat Ridge resident and was the primary human reason for tularemia within the county in 2024, in line with a spokesperson with Jefferson County Public Well being.The illness, often known as “rabbit fever,” is attributable to the bacterium Fransicella tularensis and principally impacts rodents and rabbits, in addition to bugs similar to ticks and deerflies. It may be transmitted to people, nevertheless, by way of the bites of contaminated animals or bugs, in addition to by way of the ingesting contaminated water or meals and airborne micro organism.”Whereas tularemia is uncommon, it can be crucial for residents to pay attention to the signs and take preventive measures,” stated Rachel Reichardt, an environmental well being specialist with Jefferson County Public Well being. “Immediate remedy with antibiotics is efficient, so early prognosis and medical consideration are essential.”Signs embrace fever, non-healing pores and skin ulcer on the website of an infection and swollen and painful lymph glands, the spokesperson stated.If the an infection is attributable to ingesting contaminated meals or water, the signs embrace a sore throat, mouth sores, stomach ache and diarrhea. If micro organism are inhaled, pneumonia can develop with signs together with fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, dry cough and progressive weak spot, the spokesperson added.County well being officers advocate residents take the next steps to forestall publicity:Use insect repellent throughout all out of doors exercise.Keep away from all contact with wild rodents.Don’t feed or entice any rodent or rabbit into your yard or patio.Remove piles of lumber, trash and weeds round your house.Keep away from touching sick or lifeless animals or put on gloves if obligatory.Don’t mow over lifeless animals.Don’t drink untreated floor water (lakes, ponds, rivers).You’ll want to prepare 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 veterinarian for any pet interplay.Present rapid veterinary take care of sick pets and don’t deal with sick pets with out utilizing hand and face safety.Tularemia could be handled efficiently and cured, however you’re suggested to see your healthcare supplier in the event you expertise any signs related to tularemia after being in areas the place contact with wildlife is feasible.Solely 9 human circumstances of tularemia have been present in Colorado final yr, in line with the Colorado Division of Public Well being and Setting (CDPHE).
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