Over here in Nigeria, I haven't seen people who keep rabbits as pets, but I have seen those who keep them as farm animals, The fact that I have not seen any does not necessarily mean they do not exist, it is possible. But according to what I have read, there are residents or citizens of other countries who keep rabbits as pets, and I feel they are really cute animals too, just in case you would like to have one.
Like some of my amazing friends, bosses, and readers on this platform already know, I love to talk about diseases that affect animals, today, I will be writing about a disease that can spread from rodents to humans.
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Humans can get the disease, Tularemia after exposure to an infected rabbit, deer flies, and ticks. It is a zoonotic disease commonly called; rabbit fever, or deer fly fever. When any of these transmittable organisms have F.tularensis, and they bite any human, they would easily transmit the infection to humans affected.
However, a bite from an affected animal is not the only reason why a person could get infected, there are several other ways a person could get it;
- Through inhalation.
- An ingestion of contaminated water or food.
- Direct contact with an infected material or with an infected tissue.
- Bite of an infected arthropod vector.
The incubation period for tularemia is 3-5 days, but some people can go for up to two weeks without displaying any symptoms.
There are several forms of Tularemia, The type that affects you depends on how the process of infection of F.tularensis happens, and the symptoms;
Ulceroglandular Tularemia: This is the most common form that exists, it is usually gotten through a tick bite or the bite of an infected animal. The skin and the lymph nodes are also affected.
**Glandular Tularemia: Also similar to ulceroglandular, but in this case, only the lymph nodes are affected. Glandular tularemia can be gotten through a tick bite or from an infected animal.
Oculoglandular Tularemia: This is caused by contamination with body fluid or water in the eye. This creates symptoms in and around the affected eye, usually only one eye at a time is affected, not both eyes.
Oropharyngeal Tularemia: Gotten through the consumption of contaminated drinks, food, or water. It can also be obtained through the contact of the mouth with the hands without washing them first.
Pneumonic Tularemia: This is the most serious form of tularemia, its symptoms are similar to that of pneumonia, and it can be gotten through two ways;
-Through the breathing in of F. tularensis.
- The spread of F.tularensis to the lungs from other parts of the body.
The symptoms of glandular and ulceroglandular tularemia are; very large and swollen lymph nodes, fever, as well as open wounds on the skin. The symptoms of oculoglandular tularemia are; light sensitivity, eye pain, watery eyes, swollen lymph nodes around the neck or the ear, and open sores around the eye.
The symptoms of oropharyngeal tularemia include; a serious sore throat, swollen red throat, and fever, Some people may also experience diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
The symptoms of pneumonic tularemia include; cough, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, rash, or red bump. The symptoms of typhoidal tularemia are; sore throat, confusion, vomiting or nausea, high fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, and diarrhea.
Even while tularemia is a strong zoonotic disease, there is no concrete evidence yet to show that, it can be transferred from one human to another, It remains a highly infectious disease, which means that even a small amount of bacteria will be sufficient to cause sickness.
The good thing however is, that tularemia is curable in humans, antibiotics can kill the bacteria causing the infection. Antibiotics must however be taken based on prescription until it is completely gone. It is risky to stop taking the medication halfway as the sickness could re-occur.
The risk of tularemia can be reduced when humans protect themselves and their pets from bug bites when meals and meats are appropriately cooked to a safe temperature. Also, as I always mention here, gloves should be worn while handling animals, and remember to wash your hands with soap and water afterward. Humans should also not consume untreated water, and the moment there is a suspicion of exposure, antibiotics must be taken as prescribed by a medical expert.
I appreciate the time spent reading my post, Please leave feedback about what you feel on the topic, and I will see you soon again!!! Good night.
References.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17775-tularemia
https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-negative-bacilli/tularemia
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430905/
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-tularemia
https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/infections/bacterial-infections-gram-negative-bacteria/tularemia