A Rare Occurrence of Tularemia in New Jersey

Cureus. 2021 Sep 27;13(9):e18329. doi: 10.7759/cureus.18329. eCollection 2021 Sep.

Abstract

Tularemia has been well described clinically in the United States since the early 1900s. Worldwide, the infection has manifested in a variety of forms through various vectors with geography and local prevalence often considered in the diagnostic work-up. We present a case of a 57-year-old patient who lived in an area with low tularemia infection rates and presented with fever and a tender, swollen elbow. Though initially diagnosed with cellulitis, she was eventually found to have tularemia after further interviewing and questioning, followed by successful treatment with doxycycline. A thorough history including exposures and daily activities should always be considered in an effort to rule out rare infections, even in areas of low disease prevalence.

Keywords: francisella tularensis; new jersey; rabbits; rare infections; tularemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports