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Cases of tularemia — a rare and sometimes fatal infectious disease also known as “rabbit fever” — have soared in the United States in recent years.
Between 2011 and 2022, there was a 56% increase in the average annual incidence of tularemia infections compared to the previous years from 2001 to 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Health officials said more than 2,400 cases were reported during the most recent time frame in a report published Monday in Weekly report on morbidity and mortality.
Cases were highest among children between five and nine years old, older men, and American Indians or Alaska Natives.
Furthermore, the majority of cases reported by the 47 states came from just four countries. About half were reported in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.
The agency noted that this jump is largely due to increased reporting of potential cases.
“These findings may reflect an actual increase in human infections or improved case detection amid changes in commercially available laboratory tests during this period,” the report authors said.
Although case numbers remain low, there has been an average of 205 cases each year Between 2011 and 2022.
Caused by bacteria Francisella tularensis, It could be tularemia It is transmitted to humans through infected animalssuch as rabbits and prairie dogs, as well Through tick or deer fly bitesThis is done by drinking contaminated water and inhaling contaminated dust.
The bacteria causing the infection have been classified as a Tier I selection agent, or the highest risk category, based on their potential to be used as a biological weapon.
while Symptoms varyThey can include skin ulcers, pneumonia, and swollen lymph nodes accompanied by fever.
Signs of the disease appear after three to five daysIt has been reported that the majority of patients’ symptoms begin between May and September.
Vaccination against tularemia is not generally available In the United States, the disease is treatable with antibiotics, and the case fatality rate usually is less than 2%, although it may be as high as 24%.
The report called for measures to be taken to reduce the number of cases.
“Reducing the incidence of tularemia will require dedicated prevention education; alleviating morbidity and mortality will require education of health care providers, especially among providers serving tribal populations, regarding early and accurate diagnosis and treatment.”