Florida Man Diagnosed with Rare Tularemia Infection

A 36-year-old patient recovered after a two-week course of antibiotics following a tick bite and hunting trip.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Diseases — General

Florida Man Diagnosed with Rare Tularemia Infection

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Doctors in Florida diagnosed a 36-year-old man with tularemia, a rare bacterial infection caused by Francisella tularensis. The patient, who had recently hunted deer and wild turkeys, experienced six months of illness before receiving a two-week course of 750mg daily levofloxacin.

Why it matters

Tularemia is a serious condition that can be fatal in 10 percent of untreated cases, highlighting the importance of identifying symptoms following potential tick exposure. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical, as they reduce the fatality rate to less than one percent.

There have been five recorded cases of tularemia in Florida over the last decade, compared to 196 cases nationwide in 2023. While the infection carries a 10 percent mortality rate if left untreated, medical intervention reduces that risk to under one percent.

The players

Francisella tularensis

This is the pathogenic bacterium responsible for causing tularemia in humans and animals.

The details

The patient suffered from severe symptoms including a 103F fever, night sweats, and a 30-pound weight loss. Clinicians ordered a battery of tests after the man disclosed recent outdoor activities involving deer and wild turkeys, leading to the identification of the infection.

2005 marked the earliest date with state tularemia data available.
2023 saw 196 total cases of tularemia reported across the United States.
May through September represents the typical annual spike in reported cases.

Health Landscape

This diagnosis occurs within the broader context of national tularemia monitoring, which tracks infrequent but dangerous outbreaks across the United States. It highlights the continued need for vigilance in regions where the disease remains a rare diagnostic challenge.

Individuals who spend time hunting or outdoors should be aware that persistent fevers and night sweats following a tick bite require medical evaluation. Prompt treatment with prescribed antibiotics like levofloxacin is highly effective at preventing severe complications.

The takeaway

Tularemia is a rare but potentially life-threatening illness that requires medical attention if symptoms appear after outdoor activities. Residents should monitor for high fevers and unexplained weight loss following tick exposure to ensure early intervention.