Tularemia

[Vania]

Tularemia is infection that is caused by the gram-negative bacteria Francisella tularensis, which is acquired when people have direct contact with infected wild animals, usually rabbits, or are bitten by an infected tick, deer fly, or flea.

Handling animal carcasses, being bitten by a tick, inhaling contaminated sprayed particles, or eating or drinking contaminated material can cause infection.
Symptoms can include fever, sores, and swollen lymph nodes.
Cultures of tissue samples or blood help doctors make the diagnosis.
Injections of antibiotics are almost always effective.
Preventing tick bites, handling carcasses carefully, and disinfecting water can reduce the risk of tularemia.

(See also Overview of Bacteria.)

[Sonia]

A severe infectious bacterial disease of animals transmissible to humans, characterized by ulcers at the site of infection, fever, and loss of weight.