MINNESOTA Department of Health Press Release – Minnesota health officials are tracking an increase in tularemia (TOO-LAH-REE-MEE-UH) also known as Rabbit Fever cases across the state, including the Twin Cities metro. Tularemia is a potentially serious illness that affects both people and animals. It’s caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which is commonly found in wildlife—especially rabbits, squirrels, beavers, muskrats, and other rodents.

The Minnesota Department of Health, Department of Natural Resources, and Board of Animal Health say outdoor cats are especially at risk. Pets often get infected by hunting small animals or through tick and fly bites. Signs of tularemia in animals include high fever, weakness, loss of appetite, ulcers, and swollen lymph nodes.

So far in 2025, five human cases have been confirmed. Two people were infected by tick bites, one by a stray cat, and one likely through mowing over a contaminated area. A fifth case is still under investigation. Tularemia isn’t spread from person to person but can be passed from animals to humans through bites, scratches, or direct contact with infected wildlife.

To reduce the risk: Keep cats indoors and prevent them from hunting, use tick prevention for pets, apply insect repellent for yourself, avoid handling sick or dead wild animals and check for rabbit nests or animal remains before mowing the lawn.

Tularemia symptoms in people include sudden fever, swollen lymph nodes, skin ulcers, chills, and body aches—usually appearing 3 to 5 days after exposure.

If you’re bitten or scratched by a sick animal, call your doctor and the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-5414. For pet-related concerns, contact your vet or Dr. Steve Kivisto at 612-790-8140.

Warroad, MINN. – Road construction also continues in Warroad along Highway 11, with paving and bridge work picking up speed this week.

Traffic control transitions are underway, so motorists are asked to slow down and stay alert in work zones. Paving will be completed on the east, west, and south parts of the new roundabout. Crews are also installing turf and signage and preparing to shift traffic onto the roundabout soon. On the bridge side of the project, crews are finishing the sheeting, removing old piers and piles, and beginning work on the new foundation.

July 28 through August 1, traffic will transition onto the new roundabout, with Highway 11 open to east-west travel and Cedar Avenue re-opening to the south. However, Highway 313 will close Monday morning, cutting off north-south travel from Highway 11—drivers will need to follow the detour. The temporary bypass will be removed, and work on Highway 313 will begin. On the bridge, crews will begin constructing the west abutment and pier caps.

This is part of a long-term project by MnDOT, Roseau County, and the City of Warroad to reconstruct Highway 11 and Cedar Avenue between County Road 5 and Lake Street. Construction is scheduled through 2026, including pavement resurfacing, storm sewer replacement, landscaping, and bridge work. The bridge will remain open during the winter months, and overall improvements aim to address safety, access, and aging infrastructure.

To get updates or learn more, visit mndot.gov. For real-time travel info across Minnesota, visit 511mn.org or download the 511 app on your phone.

Roseau, MINN. – Construction continues in Roseau along Highway 11. From July 28 to August 1, traffic configuration stays the same. Work continues on sidewalks west of the bridge, and crews will begin grading and preparing the area for paving. The existing storm sewer crossings will be removed, and lighting installation will move to the west side of the bridge.

The Roseau Highway 11 project includes resurfacing the roadway, upgrading sidewalks, removing outdated signals, improving the bridge, and updating lighting and utilities. Drivers should continue using the detour via Center Street West.

Once finished, the upgrades will mean a safer road, improved intersections, better drainage, and enhanced access for pedestrians. The project is on track to wrap up in early September, weather permitting.

To get updates or learn more, visit mndot.gov. For real-time travel info across Minnesota, visit 511mn.org or download the 511 app on your phone.