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Tularaemia in Minnesota: case report and brief epidemiology
J M Scheftel1, J M Griffith, B A Leppke
1Acute Disease Investigation and Control Section, Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, MN 55155, USA. joni.scheftel@state.mn.us
Zoonoses and Public Health
|February 19, 2010
Summary
A rare urban case of tularaemia in a cat and owner highlights animal contact transmission. A coordinated
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Tularaemia is a zoonotic bacterial disease caused by Francisella tularensis.
- Animal contact is a known transmission route, though less common in urban settings.
Observation:
- A 2008 case involved a cat and its owner in an urban area of Minnesota.
- The transmission was linked to direct animal contact.
Findings:
- This case represents a rare instance of urban tularaemia transmission via animal contact in Minnesota.
- The response demonstrated effective interdisciplinary collaboration and laboratory support.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering tularaemia in urban animal-human interactions.
- Emphasizes the value of a 'One Health' approach for managing zoonotic diseases.
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