Last Updated:
In recent years, cases of tularemia, also known as ‘rabbit fever,’ have risen by more than 50% in the US.
Representative image
Cases of tularemia, a rare and infectious disease also commonly known as ‘rabbit fever’, have increased by over 50 per cent in the US in recent years, according to reports.
Between 2011 and 2022, the annual average incidence of tularemia infections rose by 56 per cent compared to the years 2001 to 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The health officials revealed that more than 2,400 cases were reported during the more recent time frame in data published on Monday in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis and can affect both animals and humans. Rabbits, hares, and rodents are particularly susceptible to the disease. Humans can contract tularemia through various means, such as tick and deer fly bites or contact with infected animals like rabbits, rodents, and hares.
The infection can also be spread by drinking contaminated water inhaling contaminated aerosols or agricultural and landscaping dust, and laboratory exposure, as per CDC, reported Times Of India.
‘Rabbit Fever’ Symptoms
The severity of tularemia can vary, with high-grade fever being a common symptom across all forms of the illness. The signs and symptoms of tularemia depend on the route of infection. According to the CDC, some of the symptoms include: skin ulcers, mouth ulcers and sore throat, among others.
The health officials claimed that irritation and inflammation in the eyes are other forms of symptoms. This form is called oculoglandular and occurs when the bacteria enter through the eye.
A person may be infected by it while butchering an infected animal or in contact with their eyes. Symptoms include irritation and inflammation of the eye and swelling of lymph glands in front of the ear. Another set of symptoms include cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
Know How To Prevent Infection
- Use insect repellents to prevent tick and insect bites.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants to keep ticks and deer flies away.
- Promptly remove attached ticks with fine-tipped tweezers.
- Avoid drinking untreated surface water.
- Wear masks during activities like mowing to reduce the risk of inhaling bacteria.
- Use gloves when handling animals such as rabbits, muskrats, prairie dogs, and other rodents.
- Ensure game meat is cooked thoroughly before eating.
The infectious disease is generally seen in children aged between 5 to 9 years, older men, and American Indians or Alaska Natives. The bacteria has been designated a Tier 1 Select Agent, or the highest risk category, based on its potential for use as a bioweapon.
