Discovery of Francisella tularensis, a bioterrorism pathogen in a seal and biologist in Washington sparks alert!

Medical News: In an unprecedented event that has sent shockwaves through the scientific and public health communities, a highly infectious disease known as tularemia, caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, has been identified in both a wildlife biologist and a deceased harbor seal she was studying. This discovery, marking the first known detection of F. tularensis in a marine mammal, has ignited concerns about the potential risks of zoonotic diseases among those working closely with wildlife.


Discovery of Francisella tularensis, a bioterrorism pathogen in a seal and biologist in
Washington sparks alert!
 
The Incident: A Routine Necropsy Turns Hazardous
The alarming chain of events began in October 2023, when a 32-year-old wildlife biologist from Kitsap County, Washington, was conducting a necropsy on a harbor seal. Necropsies, akin to autopsies but performed on animals, are routine procedures for biologists seeking to understand the causes of death in wildlife. However, this particular necropsy took a dangerous turn when the biologist accidentally cut her left hand with a scalpel, penetrating the surgical gloves she was wearing.

At the time, the wound seemed minor, and the biologist continued with her work, unaware of the potential danger she was facing. Over the next two weeks, however, the seemingly benign cut began to show signs of infection. The area around the wound became inflamed and increasingly painful. As her condition worsened, she began to experience a range of symptoms, including fever, cough, congestion, and swollen lymph nodes, all of which pointed to a systemic infection.

Diagnosis and Treatment: The Unfolding of a Rare Case
On October 20, 2023, the biologist sought medical attention for the worsening condition of her hand. Despite the seriousness of her symptoms, tularemia was not initially suspected by her healthcare provider. She was prescribed doxycycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, and topical mupirocin for the wound. Fortunately, her symptoms began to improve, and she eventually made a full recovery.

It wasn’t until the local clinical laboratory analyzed the material from her wound that the true nature of her infection was revealed. The bacteria cultured from the wound were identified as Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia. This bacterium is notorious for its high infectivity; only a small number of organisms are required to cause disease, which is why it is listed as a Category A bioterrorism agent by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The identification of F. tularensis in the biologist prompted further investigation into the harbor seal she had dissected. Samples from the seal were sent to the Washington State Public Health Laboratory and later to the U.S. CDC, where they confirmed the presence of F. tularensis type B. This marked the first time tularemia had been detected in a marine mammal, raising questions about how the seal contracted the infection and the potential implications for other marine wildlife.

Interestingly, despite the discovery in October 2023, there was no mainstream media nor  nt-size:16px">Medical News coverage of the discovery of Francisella tularensis in a infected seal or in the infected biologist till now.

Tularemia: A Rare and Dangerous Disease
Tularemia, also known as "rabbit fever," is primarily associated with lagomorphs (rabbits and hares) and rodents. The disease can be transmitted to humans through various routes, including direct contact with infected animals, bites from infected insects, ingestion of contaminated food or water, and inhalation of aerosolized bacteria. The disease can present in several forms, depending on the route of infection, ranging from ulceroglandular, which involves skin ulcers and swollen lymph nodes, to more severe forms such as pneumonic tularemia, which affects the lungs.

In the United States, tularemia is relatively rare, with approximately 200 cases reported annually. Most cases occur in rural areas and are typically associated with activities such as farming, hunting, and handling of wildlife. The disease is highly treatable with antibiotics, but without proper diagnosis and treatment, it can be severe or even fatal.

Implications of the Discovery: A New Threat Emerges
The detection of tularemia in a marine mammal is a significant finding that has far-reaching implications for public health and wildlife management. Traditionally, tularemia has been considered a disease of terrestrial animals, particularly rodents and rabbits. The identification of F. tularensis in a harbor seal suggests that marine mammals may also be susceptible to the disease, potentially expanding the range of animals that can act as reservoirs for this dangerous pathogen.

For those working in close proximity to marine wildlife, such as biologists, veterinarians, and wildlife rehabilitators, this discovery underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as surgical gowns, N-95 respirators, and gloves are essential to minimize the risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases. However, as this case illustrates, even with appropriate PPE, accidents can happen, and the consequences can be severe.

Public Health Response and Future Considerations
In the wake of this discovery, public health authorities have emphasized the need for increased awareness of tularemia and other zoonotic diseases among those who work with marine wildlife. The CDC and local health departments have recommended that healthcare providers consider tularemia as a potential diagnosis when evaluating individuals with symptoms of infection following contact with marine mammals.

Furthermore, this case highlights the need for ongoing surveillance and research to better understand the ecology of F. tularensis and its potential impact on marine wildlife populations. Understanding how the harbor seal contracted the disease could provide valuable insights into the transmission dynamics of tularemia and help inform strategies to prevent future outbreaks.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Public Health and Wildlife Management
The discovery of tularemia in both a wildlife biologist and a harbor seal is a stark reminder of the risks posed by zoonotic diseases and the need for vigilance in protecting those who work with wildlife. As our understanding of the transmission of F. tularensis expands to include marine mammals, it becomes clear that the boundaries between human and animal health are often more permeable than we might like to think.


The discovery of the Francisella tularensis in the seal and the biologists was documented and published in the peer reviewed U.S. CDC’s journal: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7333a3.htm

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