Rising Cases of Tularemia in Wheat Ridge: Environmental Health Specialist Warns of Importance of Awareness and Preventive Measures

Rachel Reichardt, an environmental health specialist at Jefferson County Public Health, has emphasized the importance of residents in Wheat Ridge being aware of the symptoms and taking preventive measures after reporting the first case of tularemia in a local resident. Tularemia is a bacterial disease that can be transmitted from animals like rodents and rabbits as well as insects such as ticks and deerflies.

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.

Treatment with antibiotics is effective in cases of tularemia, but early diagnosis and medical attention are crucial for successful treatment. It’s important to take precautions when handling animals or their waste products to avoid coming into contact with the bacteria that causes this disease. This includes wearing gloves, washing hands thoroughly after handling animals or their waste products, and avoiding consuming raw or undercooked meat or contaminated water sources.