Cases of rare tick-borne ‘rabbit fever’ suspected in New York

Key Points:

• Suffolk County, New York, has reported three probable cases of tularemia, a rare but serious infection also known as rabbit fever, typically transmitted through tick or fly bites from infected mammals like rabbits.
• Tularemia, caused by F. tularensis bacteria, can also be contracted through direct contact with sick animals, contaminated water or dust, or eating undercooked rabbit meat; it does not spread person-to-person.
• Symptoms include high fever, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, tiredness, and sores at bite sites, with potential progression to sepsis; the infection is treatable with antibiotics such as streptomycin and gentamicin.
• Experts warn that a mild winter in New York may lead to a challenging tick season, recommending preventive measures like wearing protective clothing, using tick repellents, avoiding dense woods, and performing thorough tick checks after outdoor activities.
• Individuals who find ticks on their body should remove them carefully with tweezers, disinfect the bite area, and monitor for symptoms like rash or fever, seeking medical attention if symptoms develop.