Tularemia (Francisella tularensis)

Source: http://www.ph.ucla.edu/epi/bioter/tulapha_agent_a.html

method of delivery: being bitten by an infected tick, deerfly or other insect; handling infected animal carcasses; eating or drinking contaminated food or water; breathing in the bacteria, F. tularensis

symptoms of exposure: sudden fever, chills, headaches, diarrhea, muscle aches, joint pain, dry cough, progressive weakness, chest pain, ulcers on skin or mouth, swollen and painful lymph glands, swollen and painful eyes, and a sore throat

incubation period: typically 3 to 5 days, but can range from 1 to 14 days

effects: Severe respiratory illness, including life-threatening pneumonia and systemic infection

structure: Circular bacteria

references:

o http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/tularemia/facts.asp

o http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000856.htm