Complications

Left untreated, tularemia can be fatal. Other possible complications include:

• Inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia). Pneumonia can lead to respiratory failure — a condition in which the lungs don't take in enough oxygen, don't release enough carbon dioxide or both.
• Infection around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Meningitis is a serious and sometimes life-threatening infection of the fluid and membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
• Irritation around the heart (pericarditis). This is swelling and irritation of the thin membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium).
• Bone infection (osteomyelitis). Tularemia bacteria sometimes spread to the bones.