What is Tularemia, a highly infectious disease spread by rats and rabbits, which is increasing rapidly in America

A report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says cases of tularemia have increased, with some of the cases reported in the state of Arkansas. Also known as rabbit fever, tularemia is a bacterial infection caused by Francisella tularensis, which is spread by arthropod bites, infected animals, or consumption of contaminated aerosols and water. Read on to know about its symptoms and ways to treat the infection.

The bacteria Francisella tularensis causes your lymph nodes to swell painfully.

cases of potentially serious bacterial infection, tularemia Spreading throughout the United States. Also known as “rabbit fever,” tularemia increased by 56 percent during 2010 compared to the previous decade, researchers report at the CDC. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report,

Half of the nearly 2,500 cases reported between 2011 and 2022 came from four states: Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. However, cases have been reported in 47 states. “The case fatality rate for tularemia is typically less than 2 percent, but can be as high as 24 percent,” said the research team, led by CDC epidemiologist Dr. Kiersten Kugeler.

How is tularemia spread?,

Tularemia is caused by the bacteria francisella tularensisAn organism that has been designated a Tier-1 selection agent based on the potential for misuse as a bioweapon, the researchers wrote. According to the CDC, people Deer can become infected by fly bitesdrinking water contaminated with bacteria, or coming into contact with infected animals Like a rabbit or rodent.

CDC says you can get tularemia from the bacteria francisella tularensis Which causes painful swelling of your lymph nodes and other symptoms in your lungs, eyes, throat and intestines – depending on where the bacteria infects you.

Tularemia is a zoonotic disease, meaning it spreads between animals and humans. According to experts, you can get tularemia from exposure to deer flies and ticks F. tularensis Infection. It is also easily spread by contact with infected animals such as rabbits and rodents or through food and water sources contaminated with the bacteria.

Because this causes severe swelling of your lymph nodes, the entire area looks like a large bump on your body. Sometimes this causes the skin to break at that location F. tularensis Bacteria enter your body.

Who does tularemia affect?

Doctors say that even though the infection can affect anyone, your work, hobbies or other aspects of life may bring you into close contact with animals and insects that may be infected. F. tularensisYou may be at higher risk for tularemia if you:

hunting game or handling raw meat
Are they a veterinarian, animal control officer or another person who handles animals as part of their job
there are biting insects around
have a weak immune system
are farm workers or sheep herders
live in the middle part of the united states

Signs and symptoms of tularemia

Some signs and symptoms of tularemia – in addition to fever and a variety of rashes – include:

very large, swollen, and painful lymph nodes
an open wound on your skin, such as an ulcer or sore
eye pain
Watery eyes, leading to tears
sensitivity to light
swollen and painful lymph nodes around your ears or neck
open wound on your eye
Swollen, red throat with white spots.
vomiting and diarrhea
stomach pain
cough
breathlessness
chest pain
muscle pain
red bumps or rashes on your body
feeling cold
Headache
loss of appetite
muscle pain
Confusion

Is tularemia contagious?

Although this infection is not contagious, doctors say that at present there is no evidence that it can spread directly from one person to another. However, it is highly contagious, meaning exposure to even a small amount of the bacteria may be enough for you to get sick.

Tularemia treatment methods

The CDC says treatment for tularemia includes high-spectrum antibiotics, which are prescribed by your healthcare provider with an injection or taken by mouth. You may also need other treatments if you have serious complications.

It is also important to treat tularemia as soon as possible otherwise the infection can spread and become life-threatening.

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