The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a concerning increase in tularemia cases, also known as "rabbit fever," over the past decade. This infectious disease is caused by Francisella tularensis, a bacterium spread through various transmission methods, such as bites from infected ticks, deer flies, and direct contact with infected animals like rabbits and rodents. A particularly alarming finding in the CDC report is the risk of contracting the disease through mowing over infected animal nests, a transmission method first observed in Massachusetts in 2000.

Although tularemia is rare, with only 2,462 cases reported from 2011 to 2022, its incidence rate has risen by 56% compared to the previous decade. This increase is partly due to enhanced detection methods, which have led to the identification of more probable cases. The disease disproportionately affects certain groups, including Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and children aged 5-9, as well as residents of central U.S. states.

Tularemia is classified as a Tier 1 Select Agent, making it a potential bioterrorism threat. Its variable symptoms make diagnosis difficult, but with increased awareness of its transmission routes, quicker detection and treatment with antibiotics can be achieved.