Reports show a concerning increase in cases of tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, in the United States.
Here's a simple explanation:
What is tularemia? It's a disease caused by bacteria called Francisella tularensis. It can infect both animals and humans.
Why is it a concern? Cases have increased by over 50%, especially among young children (5-9), older men, and American Indians/Alaska Natives. The CDC considers the bacteria a potential bioweapon.
How do people get tularemia?
Bites from ticks and deer flies.
Direct contact with infected animals (like rabbits, hares, and rodents).
Drinking contaminated water.
Breathing in contaminated dust or aerosols.
What are the recent statistics?
Cases increased by 56% between 2011 and 2022 compared to the previous decade.
Over 2,400 cases were reported.
Most cases were in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
The increase might be due to better detection and reporting.
What are the symptoms of tularemia? Symptoms vary depending on how someone gets infected:
Skin Ulcer: A sore on the skin where the bacteria entered, often with swollen lymph nodes.
Ocular Symptoms (Oculoglandular Tularemia): Eye irritation and inflammation if the bacteria enters through the eye.
Sore Throat and Mouth Ulcers (Oropharyngeal Tularemia): From eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
Respiratory Issues: Cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing in severe cases.
How can tularemia be prevented?
Use insect repellent.
Wear long sleeves and pants.
Remove ticks quickly with tweezers.
Don't drink untreated surface water.
Wear a mask when mowing or doing dusty activities.
Wear gloves when handling animals.
Cook game meat thoroughly.
How is tularemia treated?
There is no vaccine available in the US.
It is treatable with antibiotics.
The death rate is usually below 2%, but can be higher (up to 24%) in severe cases.
Key Facts:
Francisella tularensis causes tularemia.
It's a Tier 1 Select Agent (potential bioweapon).
Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma have the most cases.
Eye infections are called oculoglandular tularemia.
There's no vaccine available in the US.
In simple terms: Cases of rabbit fever, a disease caused by bacteria, are increasing in the US. People can get it from insect bites, contact with infected animals, contaminated water, or by breathing in the bacteria. Symptoms vary, but can include skin sores, eye problems, throat issues, and lung problems. It's important to take precautions like using insect repellent and washing hands. Thankfully, the disease can be treated with antibiotics.