Tularemia cases rise in Norway with high hospitalization rates

Norway has reported 131 cases of tularemia, also known as harepest, so far this year, a significant increase from the typical annual average of approximately 50 cases. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (Folkehelseinstituttet) notes that this could potentially become a peak year for infections, similar to 2019 when 183 cases were recorded.

Since 2020, roughly half of all reported cases have required hospitalization. This high rate of admission is often linked to respiratory symptoms caused by inhaling dust containing the bacteria. While infection can occur through contact with sick or dead animals, consuming contaminated water or meat, or via insect bites, the bacteria is not transmitted between humans.

Geographically, the highest number of cases has been recorded in Trøndelag with 55 cases, followed by Innlandet with 24, and Østfold with 18. Health officials advise caution when cleaning up small rodent droppings, recommending the use of damp cloths and rubber gloves rather than sweeping to avoid inhaling contaminated dust.