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What is 'rabbit fever', the rare disease up by 56% in the US? Signs and symptoms explained


Published on 2025-01-03 07:23:25 - Indiatimes
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  • Tularemia, a rare infectious disease, has seen over a 50% rise in the US recently, affecting children, older men, and Indigenous groups. Spread by bac

Tularemia, commonly known as "rabbit fever," has seen a 56% increase in cases in the US, with 2023 reporting 543 cases compared to 348 in 2022. This rare bacterial disease, caused by *Francisella tularensis*, can be contracted through various means including tick and deer fly bites, handling infected animals, consuming contaminated water or food, or inhaling the bacteria. Symptoms can manifest as skin ulcers, swollen and painful lymph glands, fever, chills, headaches, and general body aches. If not treated promptly with antibiotics, tularemia can lead to severe complications like pneumonia or systemic infection. The disease is particularly noted for its ability to survive in various environments, making prevention through avoiding contact with wild animals and using insect repellents crucial.

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