Tickborne oculoglandular tularemia: case report and review of seasonal and vectorial associations in 106 cases

Abstract

A patient acquired tickborne oculoglandular tularemia in early summer in rural Virginia. Tick exposure may be a clue to the diagnosis of tularemia in the eastern as well as the western United States, especially in summer months. A review of the experience with tularemia in Virginia for the last 13 years shows a bimodal seasonal incidence of tularemia with an associated vector exposure in 77.4% of 106 cases. The majority of cases occurring during winter months have been associated with rabbit exposure, while those in summer months are often associated with tick exposure.