The number of 'Rabbit fever' cases has increased in the US, with the CDC issuing a warning about the zoonotic bacterial disease.

The incidence of tularemia, commonly referred to as "rabbit fever," is increasing in the United States, according to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The disease, caused by Francisella tularensis, mainly affects rabbits, hares, and rodents but is also zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans.

The bacteria is classified as a "tier-1 select agent," which indicates that it poses a significant risk of deliberate misuse with the potential for mass casualties or devastating effects on the economy, critical infrastructure, public confidence, and public health and safety, as per the CDC.

The number of tularemia diagnoses has increased by 56% between 2011 and 2022, despite it being a relatively rare disease with only 2,462 diagnoses during that time frame, according to the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

The report suggests that a rise in reported probable cases may be linked to an increase in actual human infections, enhanced tularemia detection, or both.

The increase in cases is mainly due to enhanced microbiology detection techniques, according to Dr. Daniel Ruderfer, head of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Division at Hackensack Meridian K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital in New Jersey.

He informed Planet Chronicle Digital that the conventional approach to verifying cases has typically entailed an increase in culture and antibody testing historically.

"Nevertheless, recent detection techniques, including PCR testing, may be responsible for the rise in reported cases."

"Newer detection methods, such as PCR testing, are likely a major contributor to the increase in reported cases."

The same source stated that humans can contract the disease through bites from deer flies or ticks, contact with infected animals, or exposure to contaminated water or aerosols.

Symptoms of tularemia can vary depending on the type of disease.

According to Ruderfer, general symptoms of illness include chills, headache, malaise, fatigue, anorexia, myalgia, chest discomfort, cough, severe sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

"Enlarged lymph nodes and a cutaneous ulcer at the infection site can occur in people depending on the location of the infected bit or scratch," he stated.

"Other manifestations include conjuctivitis, pneumonia and potentially even bloodstream infections."

Although the death rate from the disease is usually low, less than 2%, it can reach up to 24% in rare, severe cases, according to the CDC.

Tularemia can be treated with antibiotics, but no vaccine is currently available.

If not treated with appropriate antibiotics, the infection can be extremely dangerous and may even be life-threatening, according to Ruderfer.

The report states that those most at risk include children aged 5 to 9, older men, American Indian and Alaskan Native individuals, and people residing in central U.S. states.

"The infection is absolutely dangerous and potentially life-threatening if not treated with appropriate antibiotics."

An expert pointed out that the general population is not at an "obvious" risk for infection unless they come into physical contact with an infected rabbit, tick, or deer fly.

Anyone who frequently interacts with rabbits should seek medical attention if they experience any concerning symptoms, he advised.

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The CDC stated that several factors may increase the risk of tularemia in this population, such as the high concentration of Native American reservations in central states and activities that may increase contact with infected wildlife or arthropods.