Epidemic Hazard in USA
Description: Delaware health authorities are reporting the first case of tularemia confirmed in the state since 2003. The illness associated with tick bites has put a 45-year-old Kent County man in a hospital and he is responding to treatment, according to a statement today from Heidi Truschel-Light of the Division of Public Health. She said the disease was confirmed by the state health lab on Thursday. The potentially fatal illness is not spread person-to-person but directly from tick, deerfly or other insect bites, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Domestic cats are very susceptible to tularemia and have been known to transmit the bacteria to humans. Humans can become infected by handling infected animal tissue when hunting or skinning infected rabbits, muskrats and other rodents; by inhaling dust or aerosols contaminated with the bacteria, such as during farming or landscaping activities, especially when tractors or mowers run over an infected animal or carcass. The disease can also be transmitted by drinking untreated water contaminated with the bacteria introduced by animal contact,” Truschel-Light said.
“Symptoms of tularemia usually appear three to five days after exposure to the bacteria, but can take as long as 14 days. Symptoms may include: sudden fever, chills, headaches, diarrhea, muscle aches, joint pain, dry cough and progressive weakness. People can also develop pneumonia with chest pain, cough and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms of tularemia depend upon how the person was exposed. These symptoms can include ulcers on the skin or in the mouth, swollen and painful lymph glands, swollen and painful eyes and a sore throat,” she said. “Anyone exposed to tularemia should be treated as soon as possible since the disease can be fatal,” Truschel-Light said. Dr. Karyl Rattay, Division of Public Health director, said, “Preventing tick bites is the best way to protect yourself from tularemia. Use insect repellent containing DEET on your skin, or treat clothing with repellent containing permethrin, to prevent insect bites.” In addition, use care and wear gloves when handling sick or dead animals. Be sure to cook food thoroughly and that your water is from a safe source. Note any change in the behavior of your pets (especially rodents and rabbits) or livestock, and consult a veterinarian if they develop unusual symptoms.”
Description: Delaware health authorities are reporting the first case of tularemia confirmed in the state since 2003. The illness associated with tick bites has put a 45-year-old Kent County man in a hospital and he is responding to treatment, according to a statement today from Heidi Truschel-Light of the Division of Public Health. She said the disease was confirmed by the state health lab on Thursday. The potentially fatal illness is not spread person-to-person but directly from tick, deerfly or other insect bites, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Domestic cats are very susceptible to tularemia and have been known to transmit the bacteria to humans. Humans can become infected by handling infected animal tissue when hunting or skinning infected rabbits, muskrats and other rodents; by inhaling dust or aerosols contaminated with the bacteria, such as during farming or landscaping activities, especially when tractors or mowers run over an infected animal or carcass. The disease can also be transmitted by drinking untreated water contaminated with the bacteria introduced by animal contact,” Truschel-Light said.
“Symptoms of tularemia usually appear three to five days after exposure to the bacteria, but can take as long as 14 days. Symptoms may include: sudden fever, chills, headaches, diarrhea, muscle aches, joint pain, dry cough and progressive weakness. People can also develop pneumonia with chest pain, cough and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms of tularemia depend upon how the person was exposed. These symptoms can include ulcers on the skin or in the mouth, swollen and painful lymph glands, swollen and painful eyes and a sore throat,” she said. “Anyone exposed to tularemia should be treated as soon as possible since the disease can be fatal,” Truschel-Light said. Dr. Karyl Rattay, Division of Public Health director, said, “Preventing tick bites is the best way to protect yourself from tularemia. Use insect repellent containing DEET on your skin, or treat clothing with repellent containing permethrin, to prevent insect bites.” In addition, use care and wear gloves when handling sick or dead animals. Be sure to cook food thoroughly and that your water is from a safe source. Note any change in the behavior of your pets (especially rodents and rabbits) or livestock, and consult a veterinarian if they develop unusual symptoms.”
| Biohazard name: | Tularemia |
| Biohazard level: | 4/4 Hazardous |
| Biohazard desc.: | Viruses and bacteria that cause severe to fatal disease in humans, and for which vaccines or other treatments are not available, such as Bolivian and Argentine hemorrhagic fevers, H5N1(bird flu), Dengue hemorrhagic fever, Marburg virus, Ebola virus, hantaviruses, Lassa fever, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and other hemorrhagic or unidentified diseases. When dealing with biological hazards at this level the use of a Hazmat suit and a self-contained oxygen supply is mandatory. The entrance and exit of a Level Four biolab will contain multiple showers, a vacuum room, an ultraviolet light room, autonomous detection system, and other safety precautions designed to destroy all traces of the biohazard. Multiple airlocks are employed and are electronically secured to prevent both doors opening at the same time. All air and water service going to and coming from a Biosafety Level 4 (P4) lab will undergo similar decontamination procedures to eliminate the possibility of an accidental release. |
| Symptoms: | |
| Status: | confirmed |
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