How is tularemia predominantly transmitted to humans?

Tularemia is primarily caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which can infect a variety of animals but is especially associated with rodents and rabbits. The predominant mode of transmission to humans is through drinking water that has been contaminated with the excretions or tissues of infected animals. This occurs when water sources become polluted due to the presence of animal carcasses or feces from infected wildlife.

The transmission through contaminated water highlights the risk of exposure in rural or wilderness areas where people might consume untreated water or might not be aware of the presence of infected animals nearby. Understanding this mode of transmission is crucial for public health measures to prevent outbreaks, particularly in regions where tularemia is endemic.

Other options, while they may represent possible means of exposure to the bacterium, do not accurately reflect the primary route of transmission for tularemia. For example, consuming undercooked meat can pose a risk if the meat is from an infected animal, but this is not the predominant transmission route. Airborne transmission is less common and would typically require very specific circumstances for infection to occur. Contaminated water remains the most significant pathway for humans to contract this disease.