Human tularemia case reported in Boulder County, Colorado, 1st case of the year
Officials in Boulder County, Colorado report a human tularemia case in a person who resides near Boulder and began experiencing fever symptoms on Oct. 2.
The symptoms progressed to altered mental status and fluid in the lungs. The individual has been diagnosed with pneumonic tularemia, a rare respiratory form of the disease.
This is the first reported case of the year in Boulder County.
The individual reported contact with a cat and dog during their exposure period, although neither animal has shown signs of illness. The individual could not confirm a recent insect bite, although this remains a possible source of infection.
Public health officials will post warning signs in the area to alert residents of tularemia risks and encourage precautions to prevent infection. People can contract tularemia through bites from infected insects, most commonly ticks and deer flies, or contact with infected animal tissues. The bacteria can also be inhaled if infected animal particles become airborne.
“It's essential to take precautions around wild animals and avoid contact, as tularemia, while rare, poses serious health risks,” said Carly Wilson, Boulder County Public Health Vector Epidemiologist/Environmental Health Specialist. “If you develop a fever and know tularemia has been found in your area, or if you think you may have been exposed, be sure to mention it to your healthcare provider.”
Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis , commonly found in wild animals, particularly rodents, rabbits and hares, as well as insects such as ticks and deerflies. It can be transmitted to humans through insects, infected animals, contaminated water or food and airborne bacteria.
Symptoms include fever, non-healing skin ulcer at the site of infection and swollen and painful lymph glands. If the infection is caused by ingesting contaminated food or water, the symptoms include a sore throat, mouth sores, abdominal pain and diarrhea. If bacteria are inhaled, pneumonia can develop with symptoms including fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, dry cough and progressive weakness.
So far in 2024, 193 human tularemia cases have been reported (provisionally) in the United States. This is the sixth case reported in Colorado.
In 2023, 10 human tularemia cases were reported in Colorado.