Francisella tularensis is highly contagious species of Gram-negative bacteria that is maintained by animals in the environment.
People at risk:
(1) hunters
(2) farmers
(3) veterinarians
(4) butchers
(5) fur handlers
(6) laboratory workers
(7) hikers and backpackers
(8) forestry workers
(9) forest rangers
Sources of exposure:
(1) direct animal contact
(2) indirect animal contact
(3) biting insects
(4) laboratory acquired
Direct animal contact:
(1) ground squirrels
(2) rabbits or hares
(3) voles
(4) muskrats
(5) water rats
(6) lemmings
(7) birds
(8) beavers
Direct animal contact may include:
(1) handling
(2) skinning
(3) eating undercooked meat
Indirect animal contact:
(1) swimming in or drinking contaminated fresh water
(2) mowing the lawn
(3) brush cutting
Biting insect related:
(1) ticks
(2) deer flies
(3) horse flies
(4) mosquitoes
The organism is highly infectious. Infection can occur in microbiologists handling bacterial cultures unless special precautions are taken.
Purpose: To evaluate a patient for possible risk factors for exposure to tularemia.
Specialty: Infectious Diseases
Objective: criteria for diagnosis, public health
ICD-10: A21,