Tularemia: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Tularemia is a rare but potentially serious bacterial infection caused by Francisella tularensis. In Canada, cases are uncommon but do occur, particularly in rural and outdoor settings. The infection is most often acquired through tick or deer fly bites, direct contact with infected animals, or exposure to contaminated environments.

People who spend time outdoors—such as hunters, hikers, landscapers, farmers, or campers—are at higher risk and should be familiar with the early signs and proper prevention strategies.

What Are the Symptoms of Tularemia?

Symptoms usually begin suddenly and may vary depending on how the bacteria entered the body. In most cases, symptoms appear 3–5 days after exposure, though they can take up to 14 days to develop.

Common early symptoms include:

• Fever and chills

• Fatigue and weakness

• Headache

• Generalized body aches

• Nausea

Additional symptoms depend on the route of infection:

• Skin exposure:

  • A painful skin ulcer at the bite or contact site

  • Swollen lymph nodes near the affected area

• Mouth or throat exposure:

  • Sore throat

  • Tonsillitis or mouth ulcers

  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

• Eye exposure:

  • Eye redness, irritation, and swelling

• Inhalation (more serious):

  • Chest pain

  • Cough

  • Difficulty breathing

Chest symptoms may indicate a more severe form of tularemia and require urgent medical assessment.

How Does Tularemia Spread?

The bacteria can enter the body through the skin, eyes, mouth, throat, or lungs. Common routes of exposure include:

• Bites from infected ticks or deer flies
• Handling sick or dead animals (such as rabbits or rodents)
• Drinking contaminated water
• Inhaling contaminated dust or aerosols (e.g., during lawn mowing or landscaping)
• Laboratory exposure (rare)
• Eating undercooked meat from infected animals

Tularemia is not spread person to person.

Prevention Tips (Especially Important in Canada)

If you live in or travel to areas where ticks and wildlife are common:

• Use insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed footwear outdoors
• Perform regular tick checks after outdoor activities
• Avoid handling sick or dead animals
• Wear gloves and a mask when mowing, landscaping, or working in dusty outdoor areas
• Drink treated or potable water only
• Cook wild game meat thoroughly

Management and Treatment

Tularemia requires medical treatment. A doctor will confirm the diagnosis using symptoms, exposure history, and blood testing.

• Antibiotics are highly effective when started early
• Most individuals recover fully with proper treatment
• Delayed treatment can increase the risk of complications

First Aid & Training Disclaimer (Integrated)

This article is intended for educational and first aid awareness purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Tularemia is a medical condition that requires prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider.

St. Mark James Training, Canada’s largest 100% Canadian-owned and operated first aid and CPR training provider, teaches how to recognize serious infections, outdoor exposure risks, and medical emergencies as part of its first aid programs across Canada.