Fourth case of rabbit fever confirmed on Long Island, health officials warn
Health officials in Suffolk County, New York, have confirmed a fourth case of tularemia, or 'rabbit fever,' a bacterial infection often transmitted by ticks. The CDC notes that while the disease can be life-threatening, it is generally treatable with antibiotics.
Why it matters
The rise in cases highlights the ongoing public health risks associated with tick-borne illnesses in the Northeast U.S.
LONG ISLAND, N.Y. — Rabbit fever cases are on the rise as a fourth case was confirmed in Suffolk County, prompting health officials to urge the public to stay aware and take precautions. Tularemia, commonly known as rabbit fever, is a highly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. FIRST CASE OF RARE, POTENTIALLY FATAL TICKBORNE VIRUS CONFIRMED IN NEW YORK STATE While it primarily affects wildlife—such as rabbits, hares, and rodents—ticks and deer flies frequently pick up the bacteria and transmit it to humans. Fortunately, the illness does not spread from person to person. County health officials identified a tick bite as the source for one of the four local infections but have not disclosed how the other patients were exposed.
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