Tularemia

Description

Francisella tularensis bacteria transmitted in ticks
Location

North America, especially between the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River
Cause

Getting bitten by a tick or drinking contaminated food or improperly cooked game meat and scratches or bites from infected animals
Symptoms

Sudden onset of high fever, chills, joint and muscle pain, fatigue, followed by slow-healing sores or lesions at the site of entry of bacteria, inflammation, swelling of lymph nodes
Treatment

Seek medical attention from a physician
Prevention

Avoid tick-infested habitats during spring and early summer.
Use personal protection, such as wearing pants and shirts with long sleeves.
Other Facts

Most cases are acquired during the summer months and the middle of winter
Animal hosts include: rabbits, hares, rodents and birds