infections
Tularemia
Prevention of Tularemia
If people are visiting areas where tularemia is common, they should do all of the following: Apply insect repellent containing 25 to 30% diethyltoluamide (DEET) to exposed skin Wear clothing treated with a repellent containingpermethrin Stay on paths and trails when walking in wooded areas Walk in the center of trails to avoid brushing against bushes and weeds Wear long pants and tuck them into socks and boots Thoroughly search their clothing, themselves, family members, and pets for ticks Not drink or bathe, swim, or work in untreated water, which may be contaminated Promptly searching for ticks can help prevent the infection because transmission of infection usually requires that ticks be attached for 4 or more hours. If found, ticks should be removed immediately (see figure). When handling rabbits, hares, and rodents, people should wear protective clothing (such as rubber gloves and face masks) because bacteria may be present. Wild birds and game should be thoroughly cooked before they are eaten. Currently, no vaccine is available, but one is being evaluated. After exposure to the bacteria (for example, after a laboratory accident), people are given antibiotics such asdoxycyclineorciprofloxacinto prevent the infection from developing. 