Acute Communicable Disease Control

County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health
Acute Communicable Disease Control
313 N. Figueroa Street, #212
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 240-7941
Fax: (213) 482-4856
Email:acdc2@ph.lacounty.gov

Have questions about things like where to go for vaccinations or other health care services?

Call 2-1-1.

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Tularemia (Rabbit Fever)

Tularemia is a rare infectious disease that can attack the skin, eyes and lungs. Fewer than 200 cases of tularemia are reported annually in the United States — mainly in western and south central states. Tularemia, often called rabbit fever or deerfly fever, is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. The disease mainly affects animals, especially rodents, rabbits and hares, though it can also infect birds, reptiles and fish. Tularemia spreads to humans through several routes, including insect bites and direct exposure to an infected animal. Highly contagious and potentially fatal if not treated, tularemia has been identified as a possible bioweapon. If diagnosed early, doctors can usually treat tularemia effectively with antibiotics, but the goal is to eliminate tularemia.

• ACDC: A Manual of Departmental Rules, Regulations and Control Procedures
 
• LAC Reporting Form: Case Report of Burcellosis, Q-Fever, Tularemia  
• LAC: Reported Cases of Selected Diseases (2010-2015) 
• LAC: Reported Cases of Selected Diseases (2004-2009) 
• LAC: Reported Cases of Selected Diseases (1998-2003) 

Additional Resources

• CDC Emergency Preparedness & Response: Fact Sheet  
• CDPH: What is Tularemia?

Publications & Archives

• Communicable Disease Control Tularemia Fact Sheet (2/11/03)  
• Communicable Disease Control Tularemia FAQ   Spanish (2/11/03)