Tularemia

Tularemia, also known as ‘rabbit fever,’ is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. It is typically spread by contact with infected animals, such as rabbits and rodents, and can be transmitted to humans through tick, deerfly, and mosquito bites, skin contact with infected animals, and ingestion of contaminated water or food. Symptoms of tularemia include fever, chills, skin ulcers, coughing, and difficulty breathing. If left untreated, it can be fatal. Treatment is usually antibiotics, but prompt diagnosis and treatment are important for improving outcomes. Tularemia is considered a potential bioterrorism agent due to its infectious nature and potential for causing serious illness or death.