How do people become infected with tularemia?
– Typically, people become infected through the bite of infected insects (most commonly, ticks and deerflies), by handling infected sick or dead animals, by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or by inhaling airborne bacteria. 3. Does Tularemia occur naturally in the United States? – Yes. Tularemia is a widespread disease in animals. About 200 human cases of Tularemia are reported each year in the United States. Most cases occur in the south-central and western states. Nearly all cases occur in rural areas, and are caused by the bites of ticks and biting flies or from handling infected rodents, rabbits, or hares. Cases also resulted from inhaling airborne bacteria and from laboratory accidents. In recent years, there have been outbreaks of Tularemia in Massachusetts, on Marthas Vineyard, associated with cutting brush and lawn mowing. 4. What are the signs and symptoms of Tularemia? – The signs and symptoms people develop depend on how they are exposed to Tularemia. Possible
