Tularemia is a rather dangerous infectious disease. Pathogenic microorganisms primarily affect the lymphatic system and skin, less commonly the lungs and mucous membranes of the eyes. Since this is an extremely contagious disease, questions about how tularemia is transmitted, what it is and how dangerous this condition is, are becoming increasingly relevant. So what are the signs of the disease and what treatment methods are used by modern medicine?
Tularemia: what is it and why does it arise?
As already mentioned, this is an infectious disease caused by tularemia bacillus. It is worth noting that this bacterium is extremely tenacious and is able to remain active even in relatively harsh environmental conditions.
The most prone to this infection are rodents, hares, sheep and some other animals. Pathogenic microorganisms enter the bloodstream of the animal during the bite of certain types of ticks. A person becomes infected by contact with sick animals, for example, when carcasses are flayed, skin is removed, rodents are collected, etc. In addition, water contaminated with bacteria can be a source of infection. In industrial conditions, infection through the respiratory system is also possible. But catching a disease from a person is less likely.
In any case, a person is extremely susceptible to this type of bacterial infection.
Tularemia - what is it and what are its main symptoms?
As already mentioned, pathogens affect primarily the lymph nodes and skin. The disease has various forms and is manifested by symptoms of different intensity. Nevertheless, the beginning is always the same - a person's temperature rises to 38–40 degrees. The fever may be undulating (either disappearing or appearing again) or be present continuously. Severe headaches, body aches, constant fatigue are also the first signs of tularemia.
If bacteria enter the body through the skin, then the lymph nodes are primarily affected - this is the so-called bubonic form of the disease. It is accompanied by inflammation of the inguinal, axillary or femoral lymphocytes.
In some cases, a rash appears on the skin, and sometimes small sores. With damage to the mucous membranes of the eye, purulent conjunctivitis develops. If the infection entered the body through the pharynx, then swelling of the larynx and tonsils, sore throat, difficulty swallowing appear.
Tularemia: what is it and what are the treatment methods?
Of course, treatment is carried out exclusively in a hospital setting. Patients are prescribed antibiotic therapy, which includes taking antibiotics. Very effective are Streptomycin, Doxycycline, as well as Levomycetin and some cephalosporins. In addition, symptomatic treatment is performed - patients are prescribed antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs.
As for prevention, people are advised to follow individual protective measures when hunting and handling animal carcasses; it is necessary to avoid the use of water from contaminated sources, and also not to ignore the rules of heat treatment of meat products. In addition, vaccination against tularemia, which gives a very stable immunity for five years, is mandatory in some regions.
It is worth noting that with such a disease, in no case should you self-medicate. Tularemia can lead to serious complications, in particular arthritis, meningitis, encephalitis, pneumonia and toxic toxic shock.