Tularemia cases rise in Suffolk County as officials warn of tick-borne risk
Four tularemia cases were confirmed in Suffolk County this year, bringing the 2025 total to six, while New York City has reported only ten cases since 2000.
Tularemia, a bacterial infection sometimes called “rabbit fever,” was confirmed four times in Suffolk County in 2025, health officials said. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services reported six cases this year, up from four in 2024 and three in 2023. > "Tularemia is rare but far from unheard of," said Dr. Gregson Pigott, the county health commissioner.
In contrast, New York City has recorded only ten human cases since 2000, with the most recent two identified in 2024. City health department spokesperson Chantal Gomez noted that while the department monitors for the disease in humans and animals, it has never detected the bacteria in city ticks.
The infection is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis and can be transmitted through tick or deer fly bites, direct contact with infected wildlife, contaminated water, or inhalation of dust. Symptoms depend on the route of entry and may include skin lesions, swollen glands, throat infection, gastrointestinal distress, fever, or pneumonia-like illness. Onset typically occurs three to five days after exposure, but can range from one to 21 days.
Health authorities advise that individuals who spend time outdoors—such as campers, gardeners, farmers, hunters, and children—are at higher risk. The disease is treatable with antibiotics like doxycycline. Preventive measures include using EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, checking for and promptly removing ticks, wearing gloves when handling animals, and thoroughly cooking game meat.