Symptoms vary depending on how the person was exposed. The majority of tularemia infections present as open sore skin infections (ulcers) with swelling and tenderness of nearby lymph glands. Flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, cough, muscle aches) can occur with any tularemia infection. People can also develop pneumonia. Most tularemia infections are mild and can be easily treated with antibiotics. Severe forms of tularemia can be fatal if not treated appropriately.
- ulcers on the skin or mouth
- swollen and painful lymph glands
- sudden fever
- chills
- headache
- diarrhea
- muscle aches
- dry coughs
- progressive weakness
- joint pain
- sore throat
- swollen and red eyes
Symptoms usually appear 3 to 5 days after exposure to the bacteria, but can take as long as 14 days.
Pets and tularemia
Symptoms of tularemia in pocket pets like hamsters, gerbils, degues and chinchillas depend on the animal species. Infected rabbits often show no sign of disease. In rabbits that do develop symptoms and in rodents, the symptoms may include:
- lethargy
- reduced feeding
- weakness
- rough hair coat
- reluctance to move
- increased rate of breath
- fever
- swollen lymph glands
- ulcers
- sudden death
Animals acquire infection through tick, fly, and mosquito bites and by contact with contaminated environments. Infected animals can transmit the infection to other animals by biting, scratching or by direct exposure to infected rodent waste or nesting materials contaminated with infected rodent waste.