It is a zoonosis whose causative agent is transmitted from animals to humans. It is rarely reported in Slovenia: between 2004 and 2013, we received up to four notifications per year, or a ten-year average of 1.3 notifications. The disease is also rare in EU countries, occurring more frequently in (older) men.
It is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. The bacterium has two subspecies, Francisella tularensis subspecies tularensis (formerly called type A) and subspecies holarctica (formerly type B).
The first signs of the disease most often appear 3–5 days after infection, but they have also been reported to appear from 1–21 days after infection.
The bacterium is transmitted by tick bites, contact with animals (rabbits, hares, voles, muskrats, beavers), etc., and less commonly by ingestion of contaminated food and water, inhalation of aerosols, dust produced e.g. during farm work such as mowing grass, loading hay, etc. The infection is more common in certain professions – hunters, foresters, farmers, veterinarians, as well as in people who are often involved in recreation and outdoor activities.
Everyone is susceptible to infection.
The course of the disease depends on the entry point of the bacteria, the virulence of the causative agent, etc. In 80% of cases, the so-called ulceroglandular form of the disease occurs, characterised by sudden onset, chills, fever, headache, less commonly cough, muscle and abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. A rash or painful ulcer usually appears at the site of contact with the infected animal, which heals with a scar and enlarged local lymph nodes. Other forms of the disease are possible.
The disease is not transmitted between people, and the patient does not need to be isolated.
Infections are prevented by avoiding contact with (dead) animals or by using protective clothing and equipment when handling them.
Some infections can be prevented by protecting yourself from ticks with repellents, avoiding areas where ticks are present, wearing appropriate clothing, and properly removing latched-on ticks.
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