Larimer County Man With Tularemia May Have Been Exposed in Windsor

A Larimer County man who became sick with Tularemia recently, may have been in exposed outside of Windsor.

As the Coloradoan reported, a Larimer County man that became sick with Tularemia last month may have contracted the disease outside of Windsor.

The infected man was hospitalized earlier this month with the potentially life-threatening illness and he may have been exposed to the disease after mowing the grass at a property in Weld County near Windsor. The location has heavy population of rabbits this year, according to a news release the Weld County Health Department sent Tuesday.

An investigation by the health department in the area found no rabbit carcasses or conclusive evidence of tularemia, but the mowed property is most likely site of exposure, the release said.

Tularemia is a bacterial infection most frequently transmitted to people who have handled infected animals, especially rabbits, hares, beavers and muskrats. The bacteria are also shed in the infected animal's urine and feces and can persist in the environment for a month or more.

Thankfully, Tularemia is not considered a contagious disease, so it doesn't get spread from person to person, but it can be transmitted by the bite of infected insects, most commonly ticks and deer flies, the release said.

So, what should you do if you see a dead animal?

HERE ARE SOME TIPS:

IF YOU NEED TO REMOVE A DEAD ANIMAL:

• Apply an insect repellent against fleas and ticks prior to proceeding with the removal.
• Use a shovel and place the body in a plastic bag.
• If the animal is not needed for testing, dispose of it in an outdoor trash receptacle.
• Wash your hands immediately.

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT TULAREMIA: