Tularemia, or “rabbit fever,” is a rare but serious bacterial disease recently reported on Long Island, with at least four confirmed cases in Suffolk County this summer. It spreads through tick and deer fly bites, contact with infected animals, or contaminated food and water, and can be life-threatening if untreated. Early recognition and urgent care evaluation are critical.

🦠 What We Know About Tularemia

• Caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis.
• Nicknamed “rabbit fever” because rabbits, hares, and rodents are common carriers.
• Transmission routes: tick/deer fly bites, handling infected animals, inhaling contaminated dust, or consuming contaminated food/water.
• Rare in the U.S. — fewer than 200 cases annually nationwide.

⚠️ Symptoms

Symptoms vary by type of tularemia but often include:

• Fever and chills (can reach 104°F)
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Skin ulcers at bite sites
• Headache, muscle aches, fatigue
• Cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing (pneumonic form)
• Sore throat, abdominal pain, diarrhea (oropharyngeal form)

👥 Who Is at Risk?

• Outdoor workers, hunters, and gardeners
• Children and older adults
• Pet owners (pets can carry ticks or contract tularemia)
• People with weakened immune systems

🛡️ Prevention

• Use insect repellent with DEET.
• Wear long sleeves/pants in wooded or grassy areas.
• Check yourself and pets for ticks after being outdoors.
• Avoid handling sick or dead wild animals.
• Cook meat thoroughly and wash hands after handling raw meat.

📍 Local Perspective & Case Update

• Suffolk County, Long Island has reported four confirmed cases in 2026, including a child and a woman infected via her cat.
• Past years saw 3–6 cases annually in the county, showing a slight rise.
• Health officials warn tularemia can be more severe than Lyme disease and often requires emergency care.

❓ FAQs

Q1: Is tularemia contagious person-to-person?

No. It spreads only through animals, ticks, or contaminated sources.

Q2: How quickly do symptoms appear?

Typically 3–5 days, but up to 3 weeks after exposure.

Q3: Can tularemia be treated?

Yes. Antibiotics (streptomycin, gentamicin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin) are effective if started early.

Q4: Is tularemia fatal?

Without treatment, mortality can reach 10–50%. With antibiotics, risk drops to ~1%.

🚑 When to Seek Emergency Care (ER)

Go to the ER if you have:

• Severe shortness of breath
• Chest pain or confusion
• High fever over 103°F
• Blood in stool or vomit
• Bluish lips/fingertips (low oxygen)

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