Tularemia, known as “rabbit fever,” has seen a 56% increase in U.S. cases over the past decade, according to the CDC. This bacterial infection is transmitted through bug bites, infected animals, contaminated aerosols, or tainted water. It is not contagious between people. There is no vaccine, but it is treatable with antibiotics, and can be fatal if left untreated. Incidence is highest among children aged 5-9, older men, and American Indian/Alaska Native persons. Half of all cases come from four states: Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Increasing awareness among healthcare providers is key to reducing cases. Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, skin ulcers, sore throat, and eye infections.
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