Health officials in Long Island are alerting residents about a uncommon but potentially severe tick-borne disease. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) has confirmed three probable cases of tularemia, often called “rabbit fever.” They mentioned that establishing a tularemia diagnosis necessitates both lab tests and specific clinical or epidemiological criteria, and these lab results could take weeks.
One of the patients is a 9-year-old boy who reportedly was bitten by a tick while playing outdoors. After the tick was removed, he experienced high fever, severe headaches, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, and profound fatigue. After several visits to the doctor and nearly a month feeling unwell, an infectious disease specialist diagnosed him with tularemia.
Interestingly, although there are wild rabbits in the family’s yard, the boy’s mother noted he never interacted with them. Medical professionals suggest that the ticks may have bitten the rabbits and then bitten the boy, passing on the bacteria.
Understanding Rabbit Fever
Tularemia is caused by the bacteria Francisella tularensis, which mainly affects rabbits, hares, and rodents. However, it’s zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. The bacteria have a serious classification due to their potential risk, as outlined by the CDC.
Even though tularemia is rare, with 196 cases in the U.S. reported so far this year, it’s become more prevalent in recent years. CDC data highlights a 56% increase in cases from 2011 to 2022 compared to the previous decade. Daniel Ruderfer, M.D., from Hackensack Meridian K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, believes that improved detection methods may be a significant reason behind this rise.
Historically, cases were confirmed through culture growth and antibody testing, but newer methods like PCR testing are likely contributing to the increased awareness of cases.
Humans may contract tularemia through bites from deer flies or ticks, touching infected animals, or coming into contact with contaminated water or aerosols. Symptoms can differ but may include chills, headaches, fatigue, and abdominal pain, among others. Depending on where someone is infected, localized symptoms could appear, such as swollen lymph nodes or even respiratory issues.
While the mortality rate is usually under 2%, it can be much higher in rare severe situations. Tularemia is treatable with antibiotics, but no vaccine is currently available. Ruderfer emphasizes the danger and potential life-threatening nature of the infection if not promptly treated.
Children aged 5 to 9, older men, American Indian and Alaskan Native populations, and those residing in the central U.S. are reported to be at higher risk. The general public does not face an obvious risk unless they physically interact with infected ticks, rabbits, or deer flies. Individuals who hunt or frequently come into contact with rabbits should consult a doctor if they experience concerning symptoms.
