The past decade has seen a significant increase in the number of tularemia, a rare bacterial disease known locally as rabbit fever, in the United States. According to the official health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 2011 and 2022, 47 states reported 2,462 cases, a 56% increase from the previous decade.

The health agency revealed that 50% of the reported cases came from Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

What is Tularemia or Rabbit Fever?

Tularemia is a rare bacterial disease caused by Francisella tularensis. It is spread by insect bites (such as ticks and deer flies), handling infected animals, breathing contaminated air, or drinking unsafe water.

It is known locally as rabbit fever because it is often spread to humans through contact with infected rabbits. The bacterium Francisella tularensis is commonly found in wild animals such as rabbits, hares, muskrats, otters, and squirrels.

While tularemia is rare, it can be fatal and can also affect domestic animals such as dogs, cats, sheep, pigs, and horses.

symptoms

• high fever
• skin ulcers
• swollen lymph nodes
• pneumonia (in severe cases)

Who is at risk?

According to the CDC, the incidence of rabbit fever over the past decade was highest among children aged 5–9 years, older men, and American Indian or Alaska Native individuals, with the incidence being approximately five times higher than among white individuals.

prevention

• Use insect repellent to avoid bites.
• Wear gloves when handling animals.
• Avoid drinking untreated water.
• Be careful while outside.

Treatment

Tularemia can be treated with antibiotics, but prompt diagnosis is important to avoid complications. There is no vaccine currently available to prevent rabbit fever.