The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is tracking a surge in tularemia cases, with five human cases identified so far this year, including two cases linked to tick bites and one after contact with a stray cat. The disease is typically spread through hunting wildlife or being bitten by infected ticks. Rabbits, squirrels, beavers, muskrats, and other rodents are the primary carriers of Francisella tularensis.
Pet owners should be aware of this disease, as it can infect both humans and animals. To prevent exposure, MDH recommends keeping cats indoors to prevent hunting small animals. If your cat spends time outside, monitor them for symptoms such as a high fever, weakness, lack of appetite, skin or mouth ulcers, and swollen lymph nodes.
Tularemia can be treated with antibiotics but can cause severe illness. Fortunately, it cannot be spread from person-to-person. The state’s Department of Health is investigating the fifth case-patient to better understand the outbreak and provide guidance for prevention and treatment.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/minnesota-officials-note-rise-tularemia-cases-humans-and-pets