Boulder County reports first human case of rare insect-borne disease of 2024

Boulder County has reported its first confirmed case of tularemia — a rare, insect-borne disease — this year, county officials said Sunday.

The Boulder County resident began experiencing symptoms on Oct. 2, according to a news release from the county.

What began as a fever quickly progressed to an altered mental state and fluid in the lungs, county officials said in the release. The person was also diagnosed with pneumonic tularemia, a rare respiratory form of the disease.

“It’s essential to take precautions around wild animals and avoid contact, as tularemia, while rare, poses serious health risks,” Boulder County Public Health specialist Carly Wilson said in the release. “If you develop a fever and know tularemia has been found in your area, or if you think you may have been exposed, be sure to mention it to your healthcare provider.”

County health officials said people can catch tularemia through bites from infected insects, most commonly ticks and deer flies, or through contact with infected animal tissue.

The bacteria can also be carried by larger animals, like rabbits or outdoor pets, or inhaled if infected animal particles become airborne, according to county health officials.

Symptoms of the disease vary but often include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes and respiratory symptoms similar to a cold or the flu.

The infected Boulder County resident told county officials they had contact with a cat and dog during their exposure period, but neither animal has shown signs of the disease.

The individual couldn’t confirm if they’d recently been bitten by an insect, but county officials said that remains the possible infection source.

To keep residents safe, public health officials recommend:

• Avoiding areas frequented by wild rabbits and rodents. If people do enter these areas, they should use insect repellent containing DEET.
• Preventing pets from hunting or consuming wild animals.
• Avoiding contact with wild rabbits and rodents, including squirrels; do not feed or handle them.
• Not touching sick or dead animals with bare hands. Use a long-handled shovel and garbage bag to dispose of animals and place the bag in an outdoor trash can.
• Avoiding untreated water from streams or lakes.
• Refraining from mowing over animal carcasses and considering wearing a dust mask when landscaping.
• Seeking medical care if they experience high fever and/or swollen lymph nodes and consult a veterinarian if their pet shows similar symptoms.

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