On Monday, the New Mexico Department of Health has issued a warning about the risk of contracting tularemia. The warning was given after a 51-year-old man from Los Alamos County was confirmed with tularemia.

This year, 33 tularemia cases have been reported in pet cats and dogs from areas including Santa Fe, Torrance, Taos, Los Alamos and Bernalillo counties. Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Retta Ward was of the view, “Tularemia can cause serious illness in both people and pets. I encourage people around the state to follow the same precautions they would to avoid contracting plague, which includes not handling sick or dead animals”.

People handling infected animals or the ones bitten by infected ticks or deer flies are at an increased risk of contracting tularemia. Its symptoms include sudden fever, chills, headaches, diarrhea, muscles aches and joint pain.

Department of Health Veterinarian Paul Ettestad said there are many states that have witnessed a rise in population of rabbits this year and lot of them have become sick and even died due to tularemia.

The New Mexico Department of Health said the man who was diagnosed with tularemia has recovered. Health officials have recommended people to avoid handling sick or dead animals. They should take all the needed precautions if bitten by insects. They should wear insect repellents while working or hiking outdoors.

It has been suggested not to go barefoot while doing activities like gardening, mowing or landscaping. Bury dead animals 2 to 3 foot deep or double-cover them in garbage bags. Do not have unpurified water for drinking purposes, said officials.