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Source: https://www.startribune.com/tularem...specially-for-minnesota-cat-owners/600374959/
Tularemia infection surge prompts warning, especially for Minnesota cat owners
The infectious disease remains rare, but 21 cases in animals last year tripled the usual total and increased human transmission risks.
By Jeremy Olson Star Tribune
June 20, 2024 — 4:03pm
An increase in tularemia infections in Minnesota animals prompted a warning from state health officials, particularly to cat owners, who could get sick if their pets get infected and scratch or bite them.
Only 21 cases were found in animals last year, but that tripled the usual total, according to an alert issued Thursday by the Minnesota Department of Health. Seven cases have already been reported in 2024.
The increase could be due to increased awareness and testing, but veterinarians are noting symptoms such as high fever, swelling and skin sores in untested animals as well, said Maria Bye, a senior state health epidemiologist for zoonotic diseases.
"It's important for pet owners to be aware of this disease in their pets because it is possible for a person to become infected as well," Bye said...
Tularemia infection surge prompts warning, especially for Minnesota cat owners
The infectious disease remains rare, but 21 cases in animals last year tripled the usual total and increased human transmission risks.
By Jeremy Olson Star Tribune
June 20, 2024 — 4:03pm
An increase in tularemia infections in Minnesota animals prompted a warning from state health officials, particularly to cat owners, who could get sick if their pets get infected and scratch or bite them.
Only 21 cases were found in animals last year, but that tripled the usual total, according to an alert issued Thursday by the Minnesota Department of Health. Seven cases have already been reported in 2024.
The increase could be due to increased awareness and testing, but veterinarians are noting symptoms such as high fever, swelling and skin sores in untested animals as well, said Maria Bye, a senior state health epidemiologist for zoonotic diseases.
"It's important for pet owners to be aware of this disease in their pets because it is possible for a person to become infected as well," Bye said...