Rabbit Fever Reported in New York, What You Need to Know About Tularemia

Rabbit Fever Pops Up in New York

ABC News is reporting that there are currently 3 "probable cases" of Rabbit Fever.

Officials from the Suffolk County Department of Health, on Long Island, tell ABC News that testing will be needed to confirm the Rabbit Fever an it may take a few weeks for any results.

A representative for the Suffolk County Department of Health said

"Confirmation of a tularemia diagnosis requires a combination of laboratory testing and fulfillment of specific clinical or epidemiologic criteria. The laboratory testing to confirm a tularemia diagnosis may take several weeks."

So what exactly is Rabbit Fever and how can you keep yourself safe?

What is Rabbit Fever?

Rabbit Fever is also known as Tularemia. According to the Center for Disease Control, it's a "potentially serious illness caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis.

The CDC goes on to explain that Tularemia is a disease that infects both people and animals adding "Rabbits, hares, and rodents are especially susceptible and often die in large numbers during outbreaks."

Humans can become infected by tick and deer fly bites, skin contact with infected animals, or drinking contaminated water.

Signs and Symptoms Of Rabbit Fever in Humans

Symptoms of Rabbit Fever differ depending on how you come in contact with it. However, all cases are accompanied by a fever "as high as 104 °F" as reported by the CDC.

Some signs include a skin ulcer if you were bitten by an infected tick or deer fly or extreme fatigue. While cases range from mild to life-threatening, Rabbit Fever is treatable with antibiotics.

Learn more about Rabbit Fever and its signs at CDC.gov.