What does rabbit fever tularemia do to you or how it infects you?

Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. It can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, contaminated water, or soil. Here's how it infects you:

1. Transmission:

- Tularemia is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, such as rabbits, hares, rodents, and some carnivores. Contact with their blood, tissues, or fur can lead to infection.

- It can also be transmitted through the bite of an infected tick or deer fly.

- Inhalation of contaminated dust or aerosols, particularly in laboratory settings, can cause respiratory tularemia.

- Ingestion of contaminated water or food, especially undercooked meat of infected animals, can lead to gastrointestinal tularemia.

2. Infection Process:

- Once the bacteria enters the body, it primarily affects the skin and lymph nodes. Depending on the route of infection, different forms of tularemia may develop.

- In the most common form, ulceroglandular tularemia, the bacteria enters through a break in the skin and causes an ulcer at the infection site. This ulcer is typically accompanied by swollen and tender lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) in the nearby area.

- In oculoglandular tularemia, the infection occurs through the conjunctiva of the eye, causing inflammation and swelling.

- Oropharyngeal tularemia happens when the bacteria enter through the mouth and throat, leading to tonsillitis, pharyngitis, or mouth ulcers.

- Typhoidal tularemia is the most severe form, in which the bacteria spreads throughout the bloodstream, affecting multiple organs and causing high fever, chills, and generalized weakness.

3. Symptoms:

- Symptoms of tularemia may include:

- Fever

- Chills

- Muscle aches

- Headaches

- Fatigue

- Swollen lymph nodes

- Skin ulcers

- Eye irritation

- Sore throat

- Abdominal pain

- Diarrhea

4. Treatment:

- Tularemia is generally treated with antibiotics, such as streptomycin, gentamicin, or doxycycline.

- Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent severe complications.

5. Prevention:

- To prevent tularemia:

- Avoid direct contact with wild animals, especially rabbits and rodents.

- Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling potentially infected animals or carcasses.

- Avoid drinking or swimming in potentially contaminated water sources.

- Cook meat thoroughly, especially game meat.

- Use insect repellent and wear protective clothing in areas with ticks and deer flies.

It's important to seek medical attention promptly if you suspect tularemia or have been exposed to potentially infected sources to receive proper diagnosis and treatment.