Journal of Zoonotic Diseases and Public Health

Tularemia is a serious infectious disease caused by the intracellular bacterium Francisella tularensis. Humans are most often infected by tick bite or through handling an infected animal. The bacteria can penetrate into the body through damaged skin, mucous membranes, and inhalation. Ingesting infected water, soil, or food can also cause infection. Symptoms develop 3 to 5 days after exposure and include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, signs of sepsis, and possibly death. The goal of treatment is to cure the infection with antibiotics and the commonly used antibiotics are streptomycin and tetracycline. An attenuated, live vaccine is available, but only for high risk groups. Other preventive measures include the use of rubber gloves and eye protection when handling potentially infected wild animals.

Related Journals of Tularemia

Health Systems and Policy Research, Hospital & Medical Management, Journal of Healthcare Communications, Zoonoses, Zoonoses and Public Health.