Rare Rabbit Fever Strikes Suffolk: 3 Cases This Summer

Three cases of a rare tick-borne disease, tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, have been reported in Suffolk County this summer. This bacterial infection, which can be serious if untreated, is typically spread through tick bites or contact with infected animals like rabbits and rodents. Person-to-person transmission is not reported.

Symptoms usually appear within three to five days of exposure but can take up to three weeks. They often include skin ulcers and swollen lymph nodes, making diagnosis challenging due to the disease's rarity. Approximately 200 to 300 cases occur nationwide annually, with New York reporting only 30 cases between 1993 and 2023. Notably, nearly half of New York's cases were in Suffolk County.

One recent case involved a 9-year-old boy whose symptoms included swollen lymph nodes and severe head pain following a tick bite. After seeking specialized care, he was confirmed to have tularemia and has since completed antibiotic treatment. Health authorities recommend preventative measures such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing in grassy areas, and avoiding contact with wild animals.