In early spring, a 45-year-old farmer from New Mexico arrived at the Emergency Room, struggling to breathe. He reported no history of chronic pulmonary disease and the ER ruled out malignant causes of his condition. His blood tests showed neutrophilic leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia. He reported feeling extremely fatigued the last few days, coupled with muscle aches and a fever. In particular his thighs, hips, and back had been aching. In addition, he was experiencing headaches, dizziness, and vomiting. He had not traveled anywhere recently and reported no changes to his diet. The only abnormal activity he reported in the last six weeks was cleaning out his old barn to get ready for the spring. 1. What did this patient have?
2. Describe the microbe that causes this infection (cellular structure and features, it’s reservoir, etc.)
3. How do you think he became infected, and is he contagious to others?