Jefferson County Public Health has reported the first case of tularemia in a Wheat Ridge resident. Tularemia is a bacterial disease that is linked to animals like rodents and rabbits, as well as insects such as ticks and deerflies. Rachel Reichardt, an environmental health specialist at JCPH, emphasized the importance of residents being aware of the symptoms and taking preventive measures. Treatment with antibiotics is effective, so early diagnosis and medical attention are crucial in cases of tularemia.
Symptoms of tularemia can include fever, non-healing skin ulcers at the site of infection, and swollen and painful lymph glands. Additional symptoms like a sore throat, mouth sores, abdominal pain, and diarrhea can occur if the infection is from ingesting contaminated food or water. Health officials stress that tularemia is curable and advise seeking medical attention if any symptoms associated with the infection arise after being in areas where contact with wildlife is possible.