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What to know about 'rabbit fever' amid 3 probable cases reported in New York
ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • • health
Key Points:
- Health officials in Suffolk County, New York, have reported at least three probable cases of tularemia, a rare bacterial illness also known as "rabbit fever," with laboratory confirmation expected to take several weeks.
- Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis and is commonly transmitted through tick and deer fly bites or contact with infected animals, but it does not spread from person to person.
- Symptoms vary by infection route but often include high fever, chills, headache, and a sore or ulcer at the infection site, with severe cases potentially causing respiratory issues if inhaled.
- The disease is highly treatable with antibiotics, though no widely available vaccine currently exists in the U.S., and prevention focuses on insect repellent use, protective clothing, and safe handling of wild animals.
- The CDC advises caution when outdoors by using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, promptly removing ticks, avoiding mowing over dead animals, and thoroughly cooking game meat.
