Health officials on Long Island have confirmed three probable cases of tularemia, a rare tick-borne illness also known as "rabbit fever." The Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) issued a warning to residents following the reports.
One of the confirmed cases involved a 9-year-old boy who developed a high fever, severe head and neck pain, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, and extreme fatigue after being bitten by a tick while playing outdoors. According to reports, doctors diagnosed him with tularemia after nearly a month of illness. The boy's mother noted that while their yard is frequented by wild rabbits, her son did not handle them. Doctors suspect infected ticks transmitted the bacteria after feeding on the animals.
Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. While it commonly affects rabbits, hares, and rodents, the disease is zoonotic, meaning it can spread from animals to humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies Francisella tularensis as a "tier-1 select agent" due to its potential for severe public health risks.
Although tularemia is rare, with 196 U.S. cases reported in 2023, the CDC has observed an increase in recent years. Between 2011 and 2022, surveillance data showed 2,462 cases, a 56% rise compared to the preceding decade. Experts suggest that improved detection methods, such as PCR testing, may contribute to the higher number of reported cases.
Humans can contract tularemia through various means, including bites from infected deer flies or ticks, direct contact with infected animals, or exposure to contaminated water or aerosols. Symptoms can vary depending on the infection's presentation but may include chills, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle aches, chest discomfort, cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Localized symptoms can include swollen lymph nodes and skin ulcers at the site of infection. In some instances, the disease can manifest as conjunctivitis, pneumonia, or even bloodstream infections.
While the overall fatality rate for tularemia is less than 2%, it can be as high as 24% in severe, untreated cases. The illness is treatable with antibiotics, but no vaccine is currently available. Experts emphasize that tularemia is dangerous and potentially life-threatening if not promptly treated.
Certain populations are considered at higher risk, including children aged 5 to 9, older men, American Indian and Alaska Native people, and individuals residing in central U.S. states. The CDC attributes this to factors such as the concentration of Native American reservations in these areas and occupational or cultural activities that may increase exposure to infected wildlife or ticks.
General populations are typically not at significant risk unless they have direct contact with infected animals or ticks. Individuals who hunt or regularly interact with rabbits are advised to seek medical attention if they experience any concerning symptoms.