NSW Health last week announced a probable case of tularaemia in a Sydney woman who had been scratched and bitten by a ringtail possum almost three months ago. She had developed ‘swollen lymph glands, fatigue, and a sore throat’ following the incident and has been treated with antibiotics. The department media release notes there have been only two other reported cases in Australia, in 2011 - both caused by a ‘less virulent’ form of the bacteria. More in the Tularaemia and Australian wildlife factsheet.
Advice for travellers
Tularaemia is a zoonotic bacterial infection found more commonly in countries of the Northern Hemisphere. In Europe, the main hosts of tularaemia bacteria are rabbits, hares and rodents and the majority of infections contracted there are through tick or mosquito bites, or by ingesting contaminated food or water. In its more virulent form it is described as often being 'a long and debilitating disease' that can affect the eyes, lymph nodes, skin and lungs. Prevention measures include avoiding insect bites and the ingestion of surface water. Read more on tularaemia.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.