What is tularemia or rabbit fever? Symptoms, spread and treatment explained as New York reports three possible cases
Rabbit fever or Tularemia is caused by the F. tularensis bacteria, and is passed through bites from a tick or a fly, but is most commonly associated with bites from the Lone Star tick or the American dog tick.
New Yorkers have been warned of a potential spread of two viruses, including tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, after three probable cases were confirmed in Suffolk County. This bacterial infection is transmitted primarily through tick or fly bites, as well as contact with contaminated water or dust, or consumption of undercooked rabbit meat.
The disease does not spread from person to person. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, high fever, body aches, tiredness, and a large sore at the site of infection. Treatment typically involves antibiotics like streptomycin, gentamicin, and amikacin. While a vaccine exists for laboratory workers, it has not been released to the public and is under review by the FDA.
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