Is rabbit fever also dangerous for humans?

Rabbit fever, better known as tularemia, is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. Although it mainly occurs in animals such as rabbits and hares, it can also be dangerous to humans, but the risks are generally manageable with timely treatment.

People can contract tularemia through direct contact with infected animals (such as when handling dead or sick animals) or by inhaling contaminated particles (such as when gardening or using a lawn mower in infected areas). Drinking contaminated water and being bitten by infected ticks, mosquitoes or other insects can also lead to infection.

Symptoms vary depending on the route of infection, but can include fever, chills, fatigue, sores on the skin from contact with infected animals, swollen lymph nodes and throat infection or pneumonia from inhalation of the bacteria.

Tularemia can be serious if left untreated, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Fortunately, the disease is treatable with antibiotics such as doxycycline or streptomycin. Left untreated, the disease can cause complications such as pneumonia or infections in other organs.

Avoid contact with wild animals, especially dead rabbits or hares, to prevent infection. Wear gloves when handling animals or gardening, protect yourself from tick bites, and drink only clean water from reliable sources.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2025-01-07 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025