A recent report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights a notable increase in tularemia cases, also known as “rabbit fever,” over the past decade. While its fatality rate is low, experts say it could increase depending on the strain of the infection virus.
What is Tularemia?
Tularemia is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. It is primarily transmitted to humans through, bites from infected ticks and deer flies, direct contact with infected animals, such as rabbits, hares and rodents.
Inhalation of bacteria, which can occur during activities like mowing over nests of infected animals is also a reason.
Tularemia case rise in US
Tularemia is closely monitored by the CDC due to its potential use as a bioterrorism agent and its lethality without timely treatment. Although the fatality rate is generally below 2 percent, it can be higher depending on the strain and clinical presentation.
Between 2011 and 2022, 2,462 cases of tularemia were reported across 47 US states. While this translates to just one case per 2,00,000 people, the incidence rate during this period was 56 percent higher than in the previous decade, reported the Independent citing the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Improved diagnostic methods, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing introduced in 2017, have contributed to this rise, as they allow for more probable cases to be identified.
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Who is most at risk and what are the symptoms?
According to CDC, native Americans and Alaska Natives experience incidence rates five times higher than White individuals, possibly due to cultural or occupational activities involving wildlife exposure. Children aged 5-9, men aged 65-84, and residents of central U.S. states also show higher susceptibility.
Tularemia symptoms vary depending on how the bacteria enter the body, making diagnosis difficult. The symptoms include ulcers and swelling of lymph glands in armpit or groin, breathing difficulty, cough, chest pain, inflammation of the eye, mouth ulcers and tonsillitis.
Key preventive measures include awareness of transmission routes, avoiding tick bites, and minimising exposure to potentially infected wildlife. Early diagnosis is critical, as the disease can be treated effectively with antibiotics.
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