The disease is caused by Francisella tularensis bacteria and typically makes its way to humans via tick or deer fly bites ... Reported tularemia infections are widespread, but most are concentrated.

Human infections of tularemia are up 56% from ... People can become infected by tick or deer fly bites, drinking water contaminated with the bacteria, or coming into contact with infected animals ...

“These findings might reflect an actual increase in human infection or improved case ... symptom that is observed after a tick or deer fly bite or after handing of an infected animal is a ...