Rare Disease Discovered in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park visitors on the east side are being urged to take extra precautions after wildlife officials detected a rare bacterial disease.

And while this problem was discovered in wildlife, it is possible to spread to humans and pets through several vectors. So park officials are passing along warnings so people visiting this popular valley on Glacier's east side can take proper precautions.

The problem is natural, but isn't something that shows up frequently.

READ MORE: Glacier National Park Visits Spike in August

A different kind of "beaver fever"

Usually when we refer to backcountry illness in the mountains, the focus is on another problem.

Giardia is a microscopic parasite that infects the small intestine, causing the diarrheal illness giardiasis—often called "beaver fever." Spread through contaminated water, food, or surfaces, it causes abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, and watery diarrhea, but responds well to prescription antiparasitic medications. It's quite common nowadays and requires regular precautions, treating water and not drinking directly out of lakes and streams.

In this discovery, a beaver was involved, but with a completely different hazard.

What is tularemia?

Park officials with Glacier National Park confirm a beaver found between Upper and Lower St. Mary Lakes tested positive for tularemia. The naturally occurring bacteria affects wildlife, pets, and humans, typically spreading through tick or fly bites, direct contact with sick animals, or contaminated water. While human-to-human spread is rare, exposure can cause severe flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and skin ulcers.

Under National Park Service Public Health Guidelines, visitors should apply insect repellent, wash hands frequently, keep a safe distance from wildlife, and drink only treated or boiled water. The infection is treatable with antibiotics if diagnosed early.