757 Laboratory Safety

Tularemia

Rabbits, hares, and rodents are especially susceptible and often die in large numbers during outbreaks. Humans can become infected through several routes, including:

• Tick and deer fly bites
• Skin contact with infected animals
• Ingestion of contaminated water
• Laboratory exposure
• Inhalation of contaminated dusts or aerosols

Symptoms vary depending upon the route of infection. Although tularemia can be life-threatening, most infections can be treated successfully with antibiotics.

Steps to prevent tularemia include:

• Use of insect repellent
• Wearing gloves when handling sick or dead animals
• Avoiding mowing over dead animals

Francisella tularensis is highly infectious when grown in culture, and laboratory-acquired infections have been documented. The isolation of F. tularensis from clinical specimens, especially if unanticipated, can generate concern among laboratory workers about possible exposure.

For more information on Tularemia, see OSHA's Tularemia Webpage.

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