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What is ‘rabbit fever?’ Health officials report 3 probable cases
WCVB • • general
Key Points:
- Suffolk County, New York, has reported three probable cases of tularemia, a rare infection also known as rabbit fever, which is transmitted primarily through tick or fly bites from animals like rabbits.
- Tularemia symptoms include high fever, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, fatigue, and a sore at the bite site, with symptoms appearing 3 to 21 days after exposure; the infection can lead to sepsis but is treatable with antibiotics.
- The disease does not spread between people and is most common from May to September, with fewer than 200 cases reported annually in the U.S., though cases have been increasing in recent years.
- To prevent infection, health officials recommend avoiding tick bites by wearing protective clothing, using tick repellent, avoiding dense woods, checking for ticks after outdoor activities, and cooking game meat thoroughly.
- Individuals who find a tick attached should remove it carefully with tweezers, clean the area, and monitor for symptoms; anyone developing a rash or fever after potential exposure should seek medical attention promptly.
