Diagnosis

Because it's rare and because it shares symptoms with other diseases, tularemia may be difficult to diagnose. If you've participated in any activities that increase your risk, such as hunting rabbit, let your doctor know.

Tularemia can usually be diagnosed through blood tests. One test looks for antibodies to the bacteria, and that test won't show that you've had the infection until several weeks later. You may also have a chest X-ray to look for signs of pneumonia.