A rare bacterial zoonotic disease, tularemia, has seen a significant increase in average annual incidence in the US over the past decade. According to new surveillance data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), case numbers remained low but rose by more than half from 2011 to 2022.
During this period, there were 2,462 reported cases of tularemia, with an average annual incidence of 0.064 per 100,000 population – a 56% increase compared to the previous surveillance period (2001-2010). The majority of cases were among children aged 5-9 years old, older men, and American Indian or Alaska Natives (AI/AN).
Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which has been designated a Tier 1 Select Agent due to its potential for use as a bioweapon. Humans can become infected through tick bites, improper animal handling, inhaling contaminated dust or aerosols, and drinking contaminated water.
Symptoms of tularemia include skin ulcers, mouth ulcers, sore throat, and pneumonia, and are always accompanied by fever. While the infection is treatable with antibiotics, it can be fatal in some cases. The CDC has identified four states – Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma – as hotspots for tularemia cases.
Increased reporting of probable cases may be associated with an actual increase in human infection or improved detection methods. However, more research is needed to understand the underlying factors contributing to the rise in incidence. To reduce tularemia incidence, the CDC recommends tailored prevention strategies, education for healthcare providers, and early treatment with antibiotics.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/tularemia/cdc-surveillance-data-show-increase-us-tularemia-incidence