Which disease is referred to as "rabbit fever"?

Tularemia is referred to as "rabbit fever" because it is commonly associated with the handling of infected rabbits and rodents. The disease is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which can be transmitted to humans through various routes, including direct contact with infected animals, bites from ticks or deer flies, or inhalation of contaminated aerosols.

The nickname "rabbit fever" stems from its historical association and the fact that wild rabbits are one of the primary reservoirs for the bacterium. In fact, individuals who hunt or handle rabbits can be at a higher risk of contracting the disease if proper precautions are not taken. Symptoms of tularemia can range from fever and chills to more severe manifestations depending on the route of exposure, making it a notable infectious disease linked to wildlife.

In contrast, other mentioned diseases such as plague, Lyme disease, and malaria do not carry the nickname "rabbit fever" and have different vectors and reservoirs. Plague is primarily associated with rodents and transmitted through fleas, Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks, and malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes, which showcases the unique relationship tularemia has with rabbits specifically. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why tularemia is aptly named "rabbit fever."