Tularemia Cases Identified in Suffolk County, New York
The Suffolk County Department of Health reported on Monday that there have been three likely cases of tularemia, a rare but serious infection commonly referred to as rabbit fever. This condition can arise from bites from ticks or flies that have previously fed on infected mammals, usually rabbits.
Tularemia is triggered by the F. tularensis bacteria. The Lone Star tick and the American dog tick are particularly associated with the disease. Additionally, individuals might contract rabbit fever through direct contact with a sick animal, drinking water or inhaling dust contaminated with the bacteria, or consuming undercooked rabbit meat. Importantly, it doesn’t spread from person to person.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases of tularemia are more prevalent from May to September. Historically, fewer than 200 cases have been documented each year, but recent data seems to suggest an increasing trend.
Suffolk County, located on Long Island, has seen a handful of rabbit fever cases over the years. In 2024, four cases were recorded, three in 2023, and one in 2022, as shown in local health department statistics. Data for 2025 is still pending.
Tularemia Symptoms and Treatment
In humans, tularemia can lead to symptoms such as high fever, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, fatigue, and a significant sore if contracted via a tick or fly bite. Typically, symptoms surface within three to five days following exposure, although they can take as long as 21 days to appear. The sore potentially leads to infections that may enter the bloodstream, resulting in sepsis, which can be life-threatening.
The infection is treatable with antibiotics like streptomycin, gentamicin, and amikacin, as indicated by the New York State Department of Health. There was previously a vaccine available for laboratory workers handling the bacteria, but this is currently under review by the US Food and Drug Administration and is not available for the general public.
Experts predict that a mild winter in New York could lead to a challenging season for tick populations.
According to the state health department, the best prevention against tularemia is avoiding tick bites. When hunting or skinning animals, it’s wise to wear gloves, and thoroughly cooking game meat before consumption is essential.
When venturing outdoors, it’s advisable to wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes, alongside light-colored clothing that allows for easy tick detection. Avoid seating on the ground, fallen logs, or stone walls, and stick to the center of well-trodden paths while steering clear of dense woods and bushy areas. If you find yourself in tick-prone environments, consider using repellents, but remember to wash them off when returning indoors.
After spending time outside, conducting a full-body tick check is crucial. If a tick is found, use pointed tweezers to grasp it near the skin’s surface and pull upward with steady pressure. Place the tick in a container with rubbing alcohol to ensure it’s killed. Clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, and monitor for any signs of rash over the following 30 days.
If you notice a rash or develop a fever, it’s important to reach out to a healthcare provider for guidance.
