CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WICS) — The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is urging residents to remain vigilant for symptoms of tularemia following reports of illness and death among squirrels in Urbana.
One squirrel tested positive for the disease, which poses a risk to both humans and animals.
Tularemia, caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, is typically found in animals such as rodents, rabbits, and hares. Infected wildlife may signal an increased risk of exposure in the area, said health officials.
Pets can contract tularemia through contact with or consumption of infected animals, tick or flea bites, or by inhaling or ingesting contaminated materials. Pet owners are advised to monitor their animals for signs of illness and consult a veterinarian if concerns arise.
Symptoms in humans include skin ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, sudden fever, chills, headache, diarrhea, joint pain, muscle aches, cough, and weakness. Infection can occur through handling infected animals or from tick bites, as well as inhalation during activities like farming or landscaping.
Health officials recommend several precautions to reduce the risk of infection:
– Prevent pets from hunting or roaming outdoors unsupervised.
– Ensure pets are protected from tick bites by consulting a veterinarian.
– Report any unexplained large die-offs of rodents or rabbits to local animal control.
For human protection, officials advise wearing tick protection, avoiding mowing over sick or dead animals, and refraining from handling wild animals. Residents experiencing symptoms of tularemia should contact their healthcare provider promptly.