Tularemia = Rabbit Fever
Rabbit fever, also called tularemia, is a rare bacterial infection caused by Francisella tularensis. Despite its name, most people do not get it from handling rabbits. The infection is more commonly spread through tick bites, deer fly bites, or contact with infected wild animals. In the United States, most cases occur during the summer months when people are hiking, camping, gardening, or spending time outdoors. Recent news reports of several probable cases in New York have brought renewed attention to this uncommon but potentially serious disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Rabbit Fever?
Symptoms usually begin 3 to 5 days after exposure, although they can appear anywhere from 1 to 21 days later. Many people develop a sudden fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and extreme fatigue. If the infection enters through a tick bite or a break in the skin, a painful skin ulcer and swollen lymph nodes often develop nearby. Other forms of tularemia can affect the eyes, lungs, or throat, depending on how the bacteria entered the body. Because tularemia is caused by bacteria, early treatment with antibiotics is important, and anyone with a high fever after a tick bite or contact with wild animals should seek medical care promptly.
Supporting Recovery for Rabbit Fever
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for tularemia. During recovery, supporting the immune system with adequate nutrition, vitamin D (if deficient), zinc, vitamin C, good sleep, and a healthy gut microbiome may help the body recover normally. These measures are supportive and should not replace appropriate medical treatment for this potentially serious infection.
Can You Prevent Rabbit Fever?
The best prevention is avoiding tick bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants in wooded areas, checking yourself for ticks after spending time outdoors, and avoiding direct contact with sick or dead wild animals.
