Tularemia

Tularemia is a rare disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. It can be spread to people through the bite of an infected American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis) or Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum), the bite of an infected deer fly, or contact with tissues of an infected animal. Treatment is available and is dependent on the signs and symptoms. There are several forms of infection. The most common form causes a skin ulcer at the site where bacteria entered the body. The best way to prevent tularemia is to prevent tick bites.

About Tularemia (CDC)

Information for Clinicians

Clinical Guidance (CDC)

National Surveillance Case Definition (CDC, 2017)

Provider Reporting Information – Category 1 Disease, call DPH to report

Laboratory Reporting Information 

Tick-borne Diseases of the United States – a Reference Manual for Healthcare Providers (CDC, 2022)

Connecticut Tularemia Surveillance

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) added Tularemia to the list of state-wide reportable Category 1 diseases in 1999. Diseases classified as Category 1 are reportable immediately by phone on the day of recognition or strong suspicion of disease. Tularemia is on the federal list of Select Agents and Toxins (CDC). There have been no reported cases of Tularemia in Connecticut since surveillance began.

Connecticut Annual Infectious Diseases Statistics

Last updated 4/3/2025