New York Health Officials Report Probable Cases of 'Rabbit Fever' on Long Island
Health officials in New York have reported three probable cases of tularemia, also known as 'rabbit fever,' on Long Island. The Suffolk County Department of Health is conducting laboratory tests to confirm these cases, which may take several weeks. Tularemia is a rare bacterial illness caused by Francisella tularensis, commonly spread through tick bites and deer flies that have fed on infected animals. The disease is not transmitted from person to person. Symptoms can vary but often include high fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that tularemia is more common in males and typically occurs from May through September. The disease can be serious but is treatable with antibiotics. 
