Home World News Boulder County reports first human case of tularemia in 2024

Boulder County reports first human case of tularemia in 2024

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Boulder County reports first human case of tularemia in 2024

Boulder County has reported its first confirmed case of tularemia — a rare insect-borne disease — county officials said Sunday this year.

The Boulder County resident began experiencing symptoms on Oct. 2, according to a press release from the province.

What started as a fever quickly progressed to altered mental status and fluid in the lungs, county officials said in the news release. The person was also diagnosed with pneumonic tularemia, a rare respiratory form of the disease.

“It is essential to take precautions around wildlife and avoid contact as tularemia, while rare, poses serious health risks,” Boulder County Public Health Specialist Carly Wilson said in the news release. “If you develop a fever and know that tularemia has been found in your area, or if you think you have been exposed, report it to your healthcare provider.”

County health officials said people can contract tularemia from bites from infected insects, usually ticks and deer flies, or through contact with infected animal tissue.

According to provincial health officials, the bacteria can also be transmitted by larger animals, such as rabbits or pets, or inhaled if infected animal particles become airborne.

Symptoms of the disease vary but often include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and respiratory symptoms similar to a cold or flu.

The infected Boulder County resident told county officials that they had contact with a cat and a dog during their exposure period, but neither animal showed signs of the disease.

The person could not confirm whether he had recently been bitten by an insect, but provincial officials said that remains the possible source of infection.

To keep residents safe, public health officials recommend the following:

  • Avoid areas where wild rabbits and rodents are found. If people do enter these areas, they should use insect repellents containing DEET.
  • Preventing pets from hunting or consuming wild animals.
  • Avoid contact with wild rabbits and rodents, including squirrels; do not feed them or handle them.
  • Do not touch sick or dead animals with bare hands. Use a long-handled shovel and a garbage bag to dispose of animals and place the bag in an outdoor garbage can.
  • Avoid untreated water from streams or lakes.
  • Refrain from mowing over animal carcasses and consider wearing a dust mask when landscaping gardens.
  • Seek medical attention if they experience a high fever and/or swollen lymph nodes and consult a veterinarian if their pet shows similar symptoms.

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