2 Cases of Human Tularemia Cases in Bernalillo County

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say two cases of human tularemia have been confirmed in Bernalillo County. They are the first two laboratory confirmed human cases in New Mexico so far this year. Albuquerque's Environmental Health Department, the New Mexico Department of Health and the Bernalillo County Health Protection Section say the cases involve a 74-year-old man and a 71-year-old woman. Authorities say the woman is currently hospitalized but is improving. The man has fully recovered. They say one of the two likely was exposed in the Rio Grande bosque area. Health authorities say it's believed the illness was the result of a bite from an infected deer fly. Tularemia is caused by bacteria found in rodents and rabbits and can be fatal if not treated properly.