Tularemia Found in Natrona County

Laramie, Wy – Several dead rabbits in Natrona County have tested positive for tularemia. Because of that the local health department is urging people to take precautions against the disease.
It can cause fever, chills, headache, diarrhea, muscle aches, joint pain, dry cough and weakness.
Tularemia is spread by ticks, deer flies and contact with infected carcasses.
The last reported human case of tularemia in Wyoming was in
Sweetwater County last year. That was the only case in the state in
2004. Three cases were reported in Wyoming in 2003 and two cases
were reported in 2002.
Health officials suggest guarding against tularemia by using insect repellent and avoiding contact with dead animals, particularly rabbits.