Spiking instances of "Rabbit Fever" reported among health authorities within Minnesota communities
In the state of Minnesota, there has been a significant increase in tularemia cases, with five human cases reported so far in 2025. Typically, the state sees up to six cases annually, making this surge noteworthy.
Tularemia, a bacterial disease caused by *Francisella tularensis*, is commonly found in wildlife such as rabbits, squirrels, beavers, and muskrats. Humans can contract the disease through tick bites, handling infected animals, or even by coming into contact with their saliva, urine, or faeces. Pets, particularly cats, are also at risk if they hunt these animals.
The symptoms of tularemia in humans can vary, but they often include a sudden fever, skin wounds or ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, and chills. In some cases, respiratory symptoms may also develop if the disease is inhaled. In pets, symptoms can include high fever, weakness, lack of appetite, skin or mouth ulcers, and swollen lymph nodes.
To prevent tularemia, it's essential to avoid tick bites by using insect repellents and wearing protective clothing when outdoors. It's also recommended to handle animals carefully, avoiding contact with wild animals and washing hands thoroughly after handling pets that may have been exposed. Mowing precautions should be taken, too, by avoiding mowing over areas where small mammals may be present.
For pets, keeping them indoors can help prevent hunting small animals and potential exposure to tularemia. If pets spend time outside, it's crucial to monitor them for symptoms of tularemia. Insect repellant can also be used to protect pets from tularemia.
Tularemia can be treated with antibiotics, but prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent severe illness. It's important to note that tularemia is not contagious between humans, so person-to-person transmission does not occur.
Health officials are working to determine the cause of the fifth human case in 2025. Anyone bitten or scratched by an ill animal should contact the health department at 651-201-5414 and their healthcare professional. Before mowing the lawn, it's advisable to check the yard for rabbit nests or dead animals.
Pet owners should be aware that their pets can carry the disease, potentially infecting humans. Anyone concerned about tularemia in their pets is recommended to talk to a veterinarian.
PetsAki Nace, a web producer for Minnesota's news since 2019, covers breaking news and makes short-form documentary films. She encourages everyone to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their pets from tularemia.
- Tularemia, a significant health concern, is a bacterial disease caused by Francisella tularensis, commonly found in wildlife like rabbits, squirrels, and cats.
- In humans, tularemia symptoms often include a sudden fever, skin wounds or ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, and chills, with respiratory symptoms possible in some cases.
- In pets, symptoms can include high fever, weakness, lack of appetite, skin or mouth ulcers, and swollen lymph nodes.
- To prevent tularemia, avoiding tick bites, handling animals carefully, and wearing protective clothing are essential when outdoors.
- Mowing precautions should be taken to avoid mowing over areas where small mammals may be present.
- Keeping pets indoors can help prevent hunting small animals and potential exposure to tularemia, while monitoring them for symptoms is crucial if they spend time outside.
- Insect repellant can protect pets from tularemia, just as it does for humans.
- Tularemia can be treated with antibiotics, but prompt medical attention is necessary to prevent severe illness.
- Health and wellness officials are concerned about the surge in tularemia cases in Minnesota, with five human cases reported in 2025.
- The cause of the fifth human case is currently being investigated, and those bitten or scratched by an ill animal are advised to contact their healthcare professional and the health department.
- PetsAki Nace, a web producer covering breaking news and making short-form documentary films, encourages everyone to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their pets from tularemia.
- Mental health, fitness, skin care, nutrition, neurological disorders, autoimmune disorders, hearing, eye-health, and lifestyle are other important aspects of health and wellness that need attention, but as PetsAki Nace's work demonstrates, it's crucial to address pressing health issues like tularemia when they arise.
