Jefferson County Public Health has reported the first case of tularemia in a Wheat Ridge resident. This bacterial disease is known to be linked to animals such as rodents and rabbits, as well as insects like ticks and deerflies. As an environmental health specialist at JCPH, Rachel Reichardt 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 can include fever, non-healing skin ulcers at the site of infection, swollen and painful lymph glands, a sore throat, mouth sores, abdominal pain, and diarrhea 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.
