DEER-FLY FEVER (TULAREMIA)
DEER-FLY FEVER (TULAREMIA)
An infectious disease, tularemia also known as deer fly fever or rabbit fever is transmitted to humans by mammals while mode of transmission is often through insects. The disease is spreadable and can cause sudden death if not treated early.
Symptoms
Latent period of infection is 3 to 5 days but can be upto 14 days. The symptoms depend on the site of infection and organ involved.
Ulceroglandular tularemia
This occurs most commonly with the following symptoms:
- Rigors / chills
- Headache
- Temperature
- Fatigue
- Ulcer at the site of entry
- Lymphnodes have pain and swelling
Glandular tularemia
Except for the ulcer at the site of infection the rest of the symptoms are same as ulceroglandular tularemia.
Oculoglandular tularemia
Involves eyes with the symptoms as follows:
- Edema and photophobia
- Red eye
- Discharge
- Under surface of the eyelid having ulcers
- Pain in the eyes
Oropharyngeal tularemia
Caused by uncooked meat.
- Pain in the throat
- Temperature
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Enlarged tonsils
- Sores in the mouth
- Enlarged neck lymph nodes
Pneumonic tularemia
Its symptoms re more like of pneumonia:
- Pain in the chest
- Cough
- Breathing problem
Typhoidal tularemia
This is more threatening than the other. Its symptoms include:
- Hepatomegaly
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- High temperature
- Splenomegaly
- Pneumonia
Causes
The disease is known to spread from animals who are infected with a bacteria F.tularensis. Its causes include:
- Undercooked food and contaminated water
- Being bitten by insects
- Exposure of bacteria while gardening etc
- Encountering with deceased or ill animals
Diagnosis
It requires tests to check for bacteria F.tularensis in the sputum or blood. Other investigations include antibody titers and X-ray chest for pneumonia
Treatment
Certain IV antibiotics are used such as:
Gentamycin or
Streptomycin
Oral antibiotics are also given
Doxycycline (vibramycin, oracea, etc)
Treatment of complications (pneumonia, meningitis) is also added.