According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases of thalassemia, also known as “rabbit fever,” are on the rise in the United States.
Because of Bacteria Francisella tolerantensisThe disease commonly affects rabbits, hares and mice. However, it is zoonotic, which means it can spread from animals to humans.
The bacteria is a “Tier-1 Select Agent,” a classification given to agents and toxins that are “intentionally contaminated with a significant potential for mass casualties or catastrophic effects on the economy, critical infrastructure, or public trust.” presents the greatest danger of use, and poses a grave danger. Public health and safety,” according to the CDC.
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Although thalassemia is relatively rare, with only 2,462 diagnoses between 2011 and 2022, cases are up 56% over the previous decade (2001 to 2010), as reported in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
“Increased reporting of possible cases may be related to a true increase in human infection, improved detection of teleremia, or both,” the report states.
Daniel Roederfer, MDcHackensack Meridian K. Hovnanian, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at Children’s Hospital in New Jersey, believes the increase in cases is largely due to better methods of detecting microbiology.
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“The traditional method of confirming cases has historically been through culture and advances in antibody testing,” he told Fox News Digital.
“However, new detection methods, such as PCR testing, are likely a significant contributor to the increase in reported cases.”
“New detection methods, such as PCR testing, are likely a significant contributor to the increase in reported cases.”
Humans can. Disease contract The same source states that 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.
Common symptoms include chills, headache, restlessness, fatigue, anorexia, myalgia, chest pain, cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, and Abdominal painaccording to Roederfer.
Humans can contract the disease through bites from deer flies or ticks. (iStock)
“Depending on the location of the affected bit or scratch, people may develop localized lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes) and skin ulcers at the site of infection,” he said.
“Other manifestations include conjunctivitis, pneumonia and possibly even bloodstream infections.”
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The death rate from the disease is generally low, less than 2 percent, but the CDC notes that it can be as high as 24 percent in rare, severe cases.
Tularemia may occur. Treatment with antibioticsbut there is currently no vaccine available.
“The infection is absolutely dangerous and potentially fatal if not treated with the appropriate antibiotics,” Roederfer said.
Caused by bacteria Francisella tolerantensisThe disease commonly affects rabbits, hares and mice. However, it is zoonotic, which means it can spread from animals to humans. (iStock)
Children are among those most at risk 5 and 9 years of ageAccording to the report, older men, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and those living in Central American states.
“The infection is absolutely dangerous and potentially fatal if not treated with appropriate antibiotics.”
The general population is not at “obvious” risk of infection unless they come into physical contact with an infected rabbit, tick or deer fly, the expert noted.
People who hunt or routinely interact with rabbits. See a doctor If they develop any symptoms, he advised.
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“Many factors may contribute to the high risk of thalassemia in this population, including the concentration of Native American reservations in central states and sociocultural or occupational activities that increase contact with infected wildlife or arthropods,” the CDC wrote. Can,” the CDC wrote.