NC man contracts rabbit fever

Published 12:00 am Thursday, February 21, 2013

WILSON (AP) State wildlife and health officials say a North Carolina hunter has tested positive for rabbit fever.
The Wilson Times reported a second rabbit hunter in eastern North Carolina is showing signs of the disease officially known as tularemia.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the symptoms include skin ulcers, swollen and painful lymph glands, inflamed eyes, sore throat, mouth sores, diarrhea or pneumonia. If the bacteria are inhaled, symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, dry cough and progressive weakness.
The disease is treated with antibiotics. Officials say both hunters appear to be recovering.