Tularemia infects another Mesa County woman

Tularemia has been confirmed in a second Mesa County woman this year. She was likely exposed to the infection through a bite from a deer fly or tick while spending time on the Ruby-Horsethief section of the Colorado River.

Two travelers from out-of-state, one adult and one child, were also diagnosed with tularemia after spending time along the Colorado River around the same time period Mesa County residents were infected.

Mesa County Health Department and the BLM are urging residents to take precautions to reduce chances of being infected with tularemia.

• Do not handle or
  feed wild animals.
• Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Wear long pants,
  long sleeves, and long socks to keep tick and deer flies off your skin.
• Avoid grassy and brushy areas when
  recreating outdoors when hiking, picnicking, or during any activity that
  can disturb soil, causing tularemia bacteria to become airborne.
• If you need to
  dispose of an animal carcass on your property, wear gloves and use a
  long-handled shovel to place it in a garbage bag, and then place the bag
  in an outdoor garbage can.
• Do not handle or
  drink untreated water.
• Protect your
  pets. Prevent them from hunting or eating wild animals. Contact a
  veterinarian if your pet becomes ill with a high fever and/or swollen
  lymph nodes.