Tularemia

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 2, 2025.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

Tularemia

is an illness caused by Francisella tularensis bacteria. It is also called deer-fly fever or rabbit fever. The bacteria that cause tularemia are often found in animals, such as rodents, birds, reptiles, and fish. The bacteria can survive for weeks at low temperatures in water, moist soil, hay, and straw. Antibiotics are used to treat the bacterial infection.

Signs and symptoms

may begin 1 to 21 days after infection, usually in 3 to 5 days:

• Fever and chills
• Eye redness and pain, swelling of your eyelids, or watery eyes
• Headache and body aches
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Shortness of breath, a cough, sore throat, or chest discomfort
• Skin sores
• Vomiting and diarrhea

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

• You have fainted.
• You have sudden chest pain.
• You have sudden trouble breathing.

Related medications

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Cipro I.V.
• doxycycline
• lutein
• ciprofloxacin
• Natacyn

Seek care immediately if:

• You have a severe headache and neck pain.
• You feel weak and confused.
• Your symptoms do not improve even after you take antibiotics.

Call your doctor if:

• You have a fever with or without chills.
• You have a new rash.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Prevent tularemia:

• Cook meat thoroughly before you eat it. This is especially important when you eat meat from hunting.
• Get vaccinated if you are at high risk for tularemia. This includes people who hunt or work around the bacteria.
• Remove ticks immediately. Use an insect repellant to prevent insect bites.
• Wash all items that come into contact with a sick or dead animal. Wash your hands as soon as possible. Use soap and water. Wash the front and back of your hands, and in between your fingers. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with warm, running water for several seconds. Then dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Carefully clean tools that have been used on an infected animal. Use bleach or alcohol to kill the bacteria and prevent them from spreading.
• Wear protective clothing when you contact animals. Examples include gloves, long sleeves, and pants. Protective clothing will also help prevent insect bites. A mask may help prevent exposure when you work outside.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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