Health Officials Confirm Fourth Case of Rabbit Fever on Long Island, Urge Public Caution
Health officials in Suffolk County, Long Island, have confirmed a fourth case of tularemia, commonly known as rabbit fever. This highly infectious disease is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis and primarily affects wildlife such as rabbits, hares, and rodents. Ticks and deer flies often transmit the bacteria to humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that while tularemia can be life-threatening, most infections are treatable with antibiotics. Symptoms vary but commonly include high fever, skin ulcers, and swollen lymph nodes. The recent case follows earlier reports, including a 9-year-old child who became ill after a tick bite. Infections typically occur from May through September, with 200 to 300 cases reported annually in the U.S.