Tularemia has been confirmed in a Mesa County resident – the first human case identified in Mesa County this year. The resident was likely exposed to the disease , often referred to as Rabbit Fever , in the Redlands area.
Mesa County Health Department reminds residents that the bacteria that causes tularemia has been found in rabbits in Mesa County and may affect squirrels , beavers , muskrats and other rodents , as well as pets and some livestock. Rabbits from the east side of the Redlands and southwest of Fruita have tested positive for tularemia this summer.
Take these precautions to avoid being exposed to tularemia:
- Do not handle or feed wild animals.
- Use an Environmental Protection Agency approved repellent effective against ticks and mosquitoes.
- Wear long pants , long sleeves and long socks to keep ticks and deer flies off of your skin.
- Tularemia causing bacteria can become airborne when soil is disturbed. Wear a mask while mowing or weed-whacking to avoid breathing in dust if wildlife crosses your property often.
- If you need to dispose of an animal carcass on your property , wear gloves and use a long-handled shovel to place it in a garbage bag , and then place the bag in an outdoor garbage can.
- Protect your pets. Prevent them from hunting or eating wild animals. Contact a veterinarian if your pet becomes ill with a high fever and/or swollen lymph nodes.
Tularemia is treatable. Contact your health care provider if you notice symptoms including an infected ulcer-like bite , swollen glands , fever , dry cough , body aches and headaches.
