Tularemia Detected by Sampling System -- 4.1.2010
COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH – Press Release
April 1, 2010
Tularemia Bacteria Detected by Environmental Sampling System in Columbus, Ohio
(Columbus), Ohio – Columbus Public Health and the Franklin County Board of Health were notified that routine environmental sampling has detected the presence of the genetic material of the bacterium Francisella tularensis, the bacterium that causes Tularemia, at a testing site in Columbus Ohio. The bacterium was detected by a routine daily air sample taken this morning.
“At this time, we believe that this finding is not a public health risk. We will continue to actively monitor environmental samples,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long. Of note, a new more sensitive testing process was implemented today.
Tularemia bacterium occurs naturally in the environment in Ohio. The last human case in Franklin County was in 2009 as a result of tick bite. At this time, no recent human or animal cases of Tularemia have been reported locally. However, Public Health officials continue their public health monitoring of human and animal health.
Symptoms of Tularemia usually appear within three to five days after infection. They may include sudden fever, chills, headache, diarrhea, muscle aches, joint pain, dry cough and weakness. The signs and symptoms of Tularemia are generally similar in children and adults. Tularemia is not spread from person to person and can be treated with medications.
For more information on Tularemia, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/bioterrorism.