What to know about 'rabbit fever,' ticks and cases in New York state

Key Points:

• Suffolk County has reported six confirmed cases of tularemia in 2025, with four cases in 2024 and three in 2023, indicating the disease is rare but present in the area.
• Tularemia, caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, primarily affects wild animals and can be transmitted to humans through tick bites, contact with infected animals, contaminated water, or inhaling dust.
• New York City has had only 10 human cases since 2000, with no evidence of the bacteria in local ticks, according to city health officials.
• Symptoms of tularemia vary based on the infection route and can include skin lesions, swollen glands, throat infections, intestinal issues, fever, and pneumonia-like illness; untreated cases may lead to severe lung complications.
• Prevention includes using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing outdoors, checking for and promptly removing ticks, wearing gloves when handling animals, and thoroughly cooking game meat; the disease is effectively treated with antibiotics like doxycycline.