A human case of tularemia has been identified in Boulder County, the first reported this year.

According to a release, the affected person lives near Boulder and began experiencing fever symptoms on Oct. 2, which later progressed to an altered mental status and fluid in the lungs.

The person has since been diagnosed with pneumonic tularemia, a rare respiratory form of the disease.

Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, commonly found in wild animals, particularly rodents, rabbits and hares, according to the release.

Symptoms vary but often include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes and respiratory symptoms that may resemble cold or flu-like illnesses.

Despite the patient having contact with a cat and dog during their exposure period, neither animal has shown signs of illness, according to the release. Additionally, the person “could not confirm a recent insect bite, though this remains a possible source of infection.”

According to the release, people can contract tularemia through bites from infected insects, most commonly ticks and deer flies, or contact with infected animal tissues. The bacteria can also be inhaled if infected animal particles become airborne.

“It’s essential to take precautions around wild animals and avoid contact, as tularemia, while rare, poses serious health risks,” said Carly Wilson, Boulder County Public Health vector epidemiologist and environmental health specialist. “If you develop a fever and know tularemia has been found in your area, or you think you may have been exposed, be sure to mention it to your health care provider.”

Public health officials recommend avoiding areas frequented by wild rabbits and rodents; preventing pets from hunting or consuming wild animals; avoiding contact with rodents like rabbits and squirrels; avoiding drinking untreated water from streams or lakes; refraining from mowing over animal carcasses; keeping yourself and pets away from tick-prone areas.

Officials also recommend not touching sick or dead animals with bare hands and suggest seeking medical care if you experience a high fever or swollen lymph nodes and to consult a veterinarian if your pets show similar signs of illness.

For more information on tularemia, visit cdc.gov/tularemia or boco.org/Tularemia, or contact Boulder County Public Health at 303-441-1564.

To report a rabbit die-off, call 303-441-1564.