Skin lesion of tularemia.

Tularemia (too-la-ree-mia) is one of the most infectious bacterial diseases known. A bioterrorist attack would likely involve airborne release of this organism. It is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis found in animals (especially rodents, rabbits, and hares).Fever, headache, and a pneumonia-like illness characterize the disease.  Other symptoms may occur depending on how someone is exposed to the bacteria.  These symptoms can include ulcers on the skin or mounth, swollen and painful lymph glands, swollen and painful eyes, and a sore throat.  Normally symptoms are seen three to five days after exposure but can take 14 days to be seen.

Without antibiotic treatment, the disease can progress to respiratory failure, shock, and death. There is no evidence that it can be spread from person to person. A vaccine exists but is not available for widespread use.