They had left for a sporting competition, and found themselves bed. In Norway, a dozen runners participating in a round of the National Orientation Course suffered from what is called “rabbit fever”.
Strong symptoms in ten participants
After the race, affected people reported various symptoms: chills, diffuse muscle pain, fatigue and headache … to which the swelling of lymph nodes and skin ulcers were added.
“Three days after the race, I developed extremely swollen lymph nodes in the groin”explains a participant in the local NRK media. “”At the beginning, I believed in a cold and I trained normally but Sunday, I suddenly had a strong fever “.
After investigation, the doctors managed to lift their hare …
What is rabbit fever?
He turns out that all sick participants contracted the rabbit feveror tularemia, caused by the bacteria Francisella Tularensis.
“”This disease, rare but increasing in Europe, mainly affects mammals (rabbits, hares, rodents) but can also contaminate humans, especially runners, hunters, or walkers in the forest who handle dead animals, touch plants or drink contaminated waters, or are bitten by a carrier tick “.
Lhas transmission is thus carried out in nature or in the forest:
- In direct contact with an infected animal (rabbit, hare, rodents – living or dead) via a wound or damaged skin;
- Via a tick or insect bite (mosquito, taon) having bitten a contaminated animal;
- By inhalation of contaminated dust or particles, during mowing or forest activities;
- Very rarely, by the ingestion of water or contaminated foods.
In the case of runners, the origin is still unknown. But according to the Norwegian media, the infection could have been caused by puddles of mud on the route. A place in which a dead and infected animal could have transmitted to men this rabbit fever.
What to expect if you are contaminated?
The fear of such an infection should not make you run like a rabbit. Admittedly, this disease, however, is nothing very friendly: it begins like a big flu, with high fever, fatigue, aches, headache and muscle pain. Then, it evolves according to the “front door”: ulcer on the skin, swollen lymph nodes, pneumonia or digestive infection in serious forms. “”The disease can be serious, but rapid management by antibiotics is very effective. It is therefore very rarely fatal today ” tempers our emergencyist.
Another important information is not contagious between humans. And fortunately! The organization of the race gives the alert today: “The evolution of reactions suggests that dozens of athletes could be affected. ” And concludes with a relevant reminder wherever you are. “”After contact with a wild animal, it is recommended to consult a doctor if you feel these symptoms. “