Rabbit fever, a 'rare' disease, sees over 50% rise in US: What are its symptoms and precautionary measures?

Cases of tularemia — a rare and sometimes fatal infectious disease that is also known commonly as “rabbit fever” — have risen in the US in recent years. According to a report, rabbit fever has witnessed more than 50 percent rise in the US.

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. Health officials said that more than 2,400 cases were reported during the more recent time frame in a report published Monday in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

ALSO READ: Is it safe to travel to China amid HMPV outbreak scare and viral videos? All you need to know

What is rabbit fever?

Rabbit fever is caused by bacterium Francisella tularensis.Tulaermia can be spread to human beings by infected animals like rabbits, rodents, hares and prairie dogs, as well as through tick or deer fly bites.

The infection can also spread by drinking contaminated water and inhaling contaminated aerosols or agricultural and landscaping dust, and laboratory exposure, as per CDC, reported Times of India.

A rare and sometimes deadly infectious disease is seen in children between the 5-9 years age group, 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.

ALSO READ: HMPV virus in China FAQs: Symptoms, treatment, diagnosis and everything else you should know

Who US states reported high number of rabbit fever cases?

Cases were the highest among children between the ages of five and nine years old, older men, and American Indian or Alaska Natives. Furthermore, the majority of the cases reported by 47 states came from just four. Around half were reported in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

The years 2011 and 2022 have witnessed 56 percent rise in the annual average incidence of tularemia infections compared with previous years from 2001 to 2010, as per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A report published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report said that more than 2,400 cases were reported during the more recent time frame.

Around half were reported in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. The huge jump may be attributed to increased reporting of probable cases as per the agency. “These findings might reflect an actual increase in human infection or improved case detection amid changes in commercially available laboratory tests during this period,” the report’s authors said.

ALSO READ: Is China facing another pandemic? Five years after Covid, HMPV virus threat triggers panic. What you need to know?

Symptoms of Rabbit Fever or Tulaermia

The illness can be mild or severe and high grade fever is a common symptom in all kinds of illnesses. The signs and symptoms of tularemia can depend on how the bacteria has entered the body. Here are some of them mentioned by CDC.

Skin Ulcer: The most common symptom that is observed after a tick or deer fly bite or after handing of an infected animal is a skin ulcer that appears at the site where the bacteria entered the body. The ulcer is accompanied by swelling of regional lymph glands, usually in the armpit or groin.

Irritation or inflammation in eyes: 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 contact with their eyes. Symptoms include irritation and inflammation of the eye and swelling of lymph glands in front of the ear, according to TOI.

ALSO READ: Quad-demic threat in US: Mask mandate returns as winter viruses surge. What should you do to prevent it?

Sore throat, mouth ulcer: Another way the virus spreads is through eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Patients with orophyangeal tularemia may report sore throat, mouth ulcers, tonsillitis, and swelling of lymph glands in the neck.

Difficulty in breathing: The most severe form of the infection, its symptoms include cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. This happens when someone breaths dusts or aerosols containing the organism. It can also happen when other forms of tularemia are left untreated and the bacteria spread through the bloodstream to the lungs

What steps can be taken for prevention?

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.