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PubMed This is a summary of 53 peer-reviewed journal articles Updated

Tularemia Patient Guide

At a Glance

Tularemia is a rare but highly treatable bacterial infection caused by Francisella tularensis. It is not contagious between people and is typically cured with targeted antibiotics. Consulting an Infectious Disease specialist early is key to ensuring a full recovery.

Welcome to the Tularemia Patient Guide. If you or a loved one has just been diagnosed with Tularemia, it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed. Because this bacterial infection is rare in humans, you may have never heard of it, and your primary care doctor might have limited experience with it.

This guide is designed to empower you with evidence-based knowledge so you can partner effectively with your medical team. Tularemia is a highly treatable condition when identified early and managed with the appropriate, targeted antibiotics. It is not contagious from person to person, meaning you do not have to isolate yourself from your family.

To help you understand your diagnosis, advocate for the best care, and know what to expect on your path to recovery, we have broken down the crucial information into specific pages:

01

Validation & Orientation: Understanding Tularemia

Learn about Tularemia, a rare but highly treatable bacterial infection. Understand causes, symptoms, transmission vectors, and standard antibiotic treatments.

02

Symptoms & Subtypes: The Forms of Tularemia

Learn about the 6 forms of tularemia, including ulceroglandular and pneumonic subtypes. Understand the early symptoms, routes of infection, and warning signs.

03

Diagnostic Journey & Look-Alikes

Learn how Tularemia is diagnosed. Understand PCR and serology tests, how to read your lab report titers, and conditions that mimic this rare infection.

04

Standard of Care Treatment for Tularemia

Learn about the standard of care treatment for tularemia. Understand which targeted antibiotics are used, expected duration, and side effects to monitor.

05

Building Your Care Team & Long-Term Monitoring

Learn how to build your Tularemia care team, monitor for lingering symptoms, and spot signs of relapse. Understand your long-term recovery and next steps.

Take a deep breath. With the right medical care and a solid understanding of your condition, you can successfully navigate this treatment and fully recover.

Common questions in this guide

Is Tularemia contagious from person to person?
No, Tularemia is not contagious between people. You do not need to isolate yourself from your family or loved ones if you are diagnosed with this bacterial infection.
How do you get Tularemia?
People typically contract Tularemia through contact with infected wild animals, particularly rabbits or rodents. It can also be transmitted through bites from infected ticks or deer flies, or by inhaling contaminated dust while mowing or clearing brush.
What kind of doctor treats Tularemia?
Because Tularemia is a rare bacterial infection, your primary care doctor will likely refer you to an Infectious Disease specialist. These specialists have the specific expertise needed to accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe the correct targeted antibiotics.
How is Tularemia diagnosed?
Tularemia is often misdiagnosed at first because its symptoms can resemble other common illnesses. Doctors confirm the diagnosis using specific laboratory tests, such as PCR and serology, to detect the Francisella tularensis bacteria in your body.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Curated prompts to bring to your next appointment.

  1. 1.Given the rarity of Tularemia, have you treated cases before, or should we consult an Infectious Disease specialist immediately?
  2. 2.Based on my initial symptoms and any known exposures, which specific tests are you ordering to confirm this diagnosis?
  3. 3.Can we review the potential side effects of the antibiotics being prescribed, especially any severe warnings I should monitor for at home?

Questions For You

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This guide provides educational information about Tularemia to help you navigate your care. It does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult an Infectious Disease specialist or your primary care provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Get notified when new evidence is published on Tularemia.

We monitor PubMed for new peer-reviewed studies on this topic and email a short summary when something meaningful changes.