Warning – Rabbit Fever is Spreading Across Illinois Right Now

The good news is that this disease normally only affects animals, but it can spread to people, too. There are reports that rabbit fever has been detected in animals and is spreading throughout Illinois right now.

The Wildlife Medical Clinic at Illinois shared an update on Facebook/Meta the following alarming message:

"The Wildlife Medical Clinic has noticed an uptick of “rabbit fever” in our local population of Eastern Cottontails. Since April, the WMC has had 4 rabbits test positive for Francisella tularensis, the bacteria that causes tularemia. This is a highly infectious disease that can infect wildlife and people alike via tick/deer fly bites, inhalation of aerosols, and skin contact with infected animals."

They point to a CDC page about Tularemia which says this is  a disease that affects rabbits, mice and can transfer to people, but it's not common. It is possible though and they warn those in Illinois who have been near rabbits to watch for the following symptoms including "skin ulcers, swollen and painful lymph glands, inflamed eyes, sore throat, mouth sores, diarrhea or pneumonia".

The other good news is that Tularemia can be treated with antibiotics if caught quickly. That's why they warn anyone in Illinois that begins to have symptoms to see a doctor immediately.