Minnesota health officials are monitoring an increase in tularemia cases among humans and companion animals, particularly in Twin Cities residents and in cats.
Five cases of tularemia have been reported in humans in the state this year. “Two people developed tularemia after being bitten by a tick, one after being bitten by a stray cat and one was likely exposed while mowing the lawn,” the Minnesota Department of Health said in a statement. The fifth case is under investigation.
Tularemia, also known as “rabbit fever,” is a potentially serious illness that affects both animals and humans and occurs naturally in Minnesota. It is caused by the bacteria Francisella tularensis, which is found in wildlife, especially rabbits, squirrels, beavers, muskrats and other rodents…