Suffolk County, New York, has confirmed a fourth case of tularemia, commonly known as rabbit fever, a rare and highly infectious disease. The increase in cases has prompted health officials to advise the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures.
Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis and primarily affects wildlife, including rabbits, hares, and rodents. Ticks and deer flies can transmit the bacteria to humans, though the disease does not spread from person to person. County health officials identified a tick bite as the source of one of the four confirmed infections but have not specified the transmission routes for the other cases.
This latest development follows earlier reports this summer of a 9-year-old child who became ill after a tick bite. While tularemia is uncommon, health officials note that a small number of cases occur annually. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that tularemia can be life-threatening, but most infections are treatable with antibiotics if caught early.
Symptoms of tularemia can vary depending on the mode of infection. Common signs include a high fever, sometimes reaching 104 degrees Fahrenheit, the development of skin ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, and severe lung infections. The child in the earlier case experienced swollen lymph nodes and a fever that persisted for approximately 11 days.
The CDC reports that tularemia infections typically occur between May and September, with an average of 200 to 300 cases reported annually in the United States. Measures to prevent infection include using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing like long pants and sleeves to deter ticks, and promptly removing any attached ticks. Officials also advise against mowing over dead animals and drinking untreated surface water. For individuals who hunt, wearing gloves when handling sick or deceased animals is recommended.
If an infection is suspected, seeking immediate medical attention is advised. Sharing a history of outdoor activities or potential contact with wild animals with a healthcare provider is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, which typically involves a course of prescribed antibiotics.