Suffolk County Health Department reports three probable tularemia cases

The Suffolk County Department of Health said Monday it has identified three probable cases of tularemia, a rare but serious bacterial infection also known as rabbit fever. The disease is caused by Francisella tularensis and can be transmitted through bites from ticks such as the Lone Star or American dog tick, contact with infected animals, contaminated water, inhalation of dust, or consumption of undercooked rabbit meat. Human-to-human transmission has not been reported.

Tularemia cases typically rise from May through September, and nationwide reports have averaged fewer than 200 annually, though numbers have been climbing in recent years. Suffolk County, located on Long Island, has recorded four cases in 2024, three in 2023 and one in 2022; data for 2025 are not yet available.

Symptoms may include high fever, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, fatigue and a painful ulcer at the bite site, appearing three to five days after exposure and sometimes up to three weeks later. Severe infection can lead to sepsis. The illness is treatable with antibiotics such as streptomycin, gentamicin or amikacin, according to the New York State Department of Health. A vaccine exists for laboratory personnel but is not broadly available.

State health officials advise that avoiding tick bites is the most effective prevention strategy. Recommendations include wearing long sleeves and pants, using light-colored tightly woven clothing to spot ticks, staying on cleared trails, avoiding sitting on the ground or low vegetation, and applying tick repellent when necessary. After outdoor activities, a full-body tick check is recommended, and any attached tick should be removed with fine-pointed tweezers and disposed of in alcohol. Individuals who develop a rash or fever after exposure should seek medical attention.