What type of disease is Tularemia classified as?

Tularemia is classified as a very infectious disease that can affect both animals and humans. The causative agent of tularemia is the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which can be transmitted to humans through various means, including direct contact with infected animals, insect bites, or inhalation of contaminated aerosols.

This dual host ability is significant because it highlights the zoonotic nature of the disease, indicating that it primarily exists in wildlife populations (such as rabbits, hares, and rodents) but can spill over to humans. The high infectivity of F. tularensis is particularly notable, as only a small number of bacteria (as few as 10) can cause disease in humans, making it one of the more infectious agents known.

The characterization of tularemia doesn't fit the other descriptions provided. It is not solely a human disease; it is not a viral infection, but rather a bacterial one; and while it can become chronic in some cases, it is not primarily defined as a chronic infection. Thus, the classification of tularemia as a very infectious disease that affects both animals and humans is accurate and captures the essential public health concern associated with this disease.