Health officials in Suffolk County, New York, have reported three probable cases of tularemia—commonly known as "rabbit fever"—this year, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS). The cases remain unconfirmed as laboratory testing may take several weeks, but health authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
Officials confirmed that one case involved a 9-year-old boy who developed symptoms including high fever, severe head and neck pain, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, and extreme fatigue after a tick bite. The boy had not handled wild rabbits, though infected ticks may have fed on rabbits in the area before transmitting the bacteria. The patient required nearly a month to recover after multiple doctor visits.
Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, a tier-1 select agent per the CDC due to its potential for severe public health impact. The disease primarily infects wild animals such as rabbits, hares, rodents, and muskrats but can spread to humans through tick or deer fly bites, handling infected animals, inhaling contaminated dust, or consuming contaminated water. Symptoms typically appear three to five days after exposure and may include flu-like illness, skin ulcers, and swollen lymph nodes.
Health experts emphasize that tularemia is rare in the U.S., with fewer than 200 cases reported annually nationwide. Most cases occur between May and September, coinciding with peak outdoor activity and tick activity. The disease cannot be spread between people, reducing the risk of community transmission.
The Suffolk County cases are under investigation as part of broader CDC surveillance, which reported 64 tularemia cases across the U.S. in 2026 so far. Health officials urge residents to take precautions, including using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants in tick-prone areas, and checking for ticks after outdoor activities. There is no vaccine or cure for tularemia, but early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can improve outcomes.
What to know about tularemia
- Transmission: Primarily through tick or deer fly bites, handling infected animals, inhaling contaminated dust, or consuming contaminated water.
- Symptoms: Flu-like illness, swollen lymph nodes, skin ulcers, high fever, and fatigue. Symptoms appear 3–5 days after exposure.
- Risk: Low for the general public, but higher in individuals with frequent outdoor exposure.
- Prevention: Use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and perform tick checks after outdoor activities.
- Treatment: Antibiotics are effective if administered early; no vaccine is available.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as laboratory results become available.