Rare disease transmitted by rodents and insects found in humans for the first time in Colorado
DENVER (KDVR) A rare disease associated with rodents, ticks and deerflies has been confirmed in a Colorado resident.
Jefferson County Public Health said the resident had tularemia — this is the first positive human case in Jefferson County in 2024.
Tularemia is a bacterial disease also known as “rabbit fever.” It can be transmitted to humans through infected insects, animals, contaminated food or water or airborne bacteria.
In June, Boulder County identified the disease in a dead rabbit.
“While tularemia is rare, it is important for residents to be aware of the symptoms and take preventive measures,” said Rachel Reichardt, an environmental health specialist at Jefferson County Public Health. “Prompt treatment with antibiotics is effective, so early diagnosis and medical attention are crucial.”
According to Jefferson County Public Health, the symptoms can vary depending on how the infection was transmitted.
Some symptoms include fever, non-healing skin ulcer at the site of infection and swollen and painful lymph glands. If the infection was caused by ingesting contaminated food or water, the person might have a sore throat, mouth sores, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
If the bacteria is airborne and inhaled, the symptoms may include pneumonia, fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, dry cough and progressive weakness.
Jefferson County Public Health said tularemia can be treated successfully and cured. If you have any of the symptoms listed and think you may have been in contact with an infected animal or insect, see your physician right away.
In 2023, there were four human cases of tularemia in Boulder County and 11 total in Colorado.
In the past 13 years, Colorado has seen an average of 5.8 human tularemia cases, except in 2015 when there was a spike with 52 reported cases, according to the state health department.
Now that tularemia has been identified in both humans and animals, Jefferson County Public Health has these tips on how to stay safe.
More information on the rare disease can be found on Jefferson County Public Health’s website.