What Is Rabbit Fever? Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention as US Confirms 4th Tularemia Case
Suffolk County has confirmed a fourth case of rabbit fever (tularemia), prompting health officials to urge precautions against tick-borne infections. Caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, the disease can spread through tick bites, infected animals and contaminated water. Here's what rabbit fever is, its symptoms, treatment and prevention.
Health officials in New York's Suffolk County have confirmed a fourth case of tularemia, commonly known as rabbit fever, prompting renewed public health advisories on preventing tick-borne infections. The disease, caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, is rare but can be life-threatening if left untreated. Authorities have urged residents to take precautions, particularly during the peak tick season.
The latest case follows several infections reported earlier this summer, including a nine-year-old child who became ill after a tick bite, the NYP reported. While one of the four recent Suffolk County cases has been linked to a tick bite, officials have not disclosed how the remaining patients were exposed. What Is Candida Auris? Deadly Fungus Can Hide in Hair Follicles, Rewire Immune System, Study Finds.
What Is Rabbit Fever?
Rabbit fever, or tularemia, is a bacterial infection caused by Francisella tularensis. The disease primarily affects wildlife such as rabbits, hares and rodents, but humans can become infected through tick and deer fly bites, direct contact with infected animals, contaminated water, inhalation of contaminated dust or, in rare cases, by consuming undercooked rabbit meat.
Health experts emphasise that tularemia does not spread from person to person. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Tularemia can be life-threatening, but most infections can be treated successfully with antibiotics." 'Amnesia' About Measles Risk Pushes Growth in US Infections.
Why Are Health Officials Concerned?
Suffolk County health officials have confirmed four cases this year, with one infection traced to a tick bite.
The county has historically recorded only a small number of tularemia cases annually. According to available data, Suffolk County reported four cases in 2024, three in 2023 and one in 2022.
The latest cases come shortly after reports of a confirmed Bourbon virus infection on Long Island, increasing awareness of tick-borne diseases in the region.
Nationwide, the CDC reports approximately 200 to 300 tularemia cases each year, with infections occurring most frequently between May and September.
Rabbit Fever Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on how a person becomes infected but typically appear three to five days after exposure, although they can take up to 21 days to develop.
Common symptoms include:
- High fever, sometimes reaching 104°F
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Skin ulcers or sores at the site of infection
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Severe lung infections in some cases
The nine-year-old child reported earlier this summer experienced swollen lymph nodes and a fever that lasted about 11 days.
Health experts warn that, in severe cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream and lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Treatment for Tularemia
Tularemia is treated with antibiotics, and early diagnosis significantly improves recovery.
According to the New York State Department of Health, antibiotics including streptomycin, gentamicin and amikacin are commonly used to treat the infection.
A vaccine exists for laboratory workers handling the bacteria, but it is not available to the general public and remains under review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
How to Prevent Rabbit Fever
The CDC recommends several steps to reduce the risk of infection:
- Use insect repellent.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants in tick-prone areas.
- Remove attached ticks promptly.
- Avoid mowing over dead animals.
- Do not drink untreated surface water.
- Wear gloves when handling sick or dead animals while hunting.
- Seek medical care immediately if symptoms develop after outdoor exposure or contact with wildlife.
Doctors also advise patients to inform healthcare providers about recent outdoor activities, tick bites or contact with wild animals to help ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Tularemia remains an uncommon disease in the United States, but public health officials continue to monitor cases because of its potential severity. Most infections are successfully treated when diagnosed early, making awareness of symptoms and preventive measures particularly important during the warmer months when tick activity is highest.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 07, 2026 05:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
