Fourth confirmed case of 'rabbit fever' reported in Suffolk County
While tularemia infections remain rare, health officials say the disease has appeared in Suffolk County for several years.
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Another case of tularemia, commonly known as rabbit fever, has been confirmed in Suffolk County.
News 12 was the first to report on a case earlier this season in Ridge, where a man who was bitten by a tick at his home in May has since experienced migraines, shortness of breath and bouts of insomnia.
The latest case brings Suffolk County's confirmed tularemia infections in 2026 to four, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. Health officials have not confirmed how the person was infected.
After News 12's initial report aired, another Suffolk County family came forward to share their experience with the disease. At the time, health officials said there were three probable cases of tularemia in the county.
That family said their 9-year-old son was bitten by a tick in April and later endured nearly a month of fevers, swollen glands, body aches and fatigue before being diagnosed.
While tularemia infections remain rare, health officials say the disease has appeared in Suffolk County for several years. The county recorded six confirmed cases in 2025, four in 2024 and three in 2023.
According to the New York State Department of Health, tularemia can be spread through contact with the blood or tissues of infected animals, bites from infected ticks or deer flies or by handling or eating undercooked rabbit meat.
Less commonly, the disease can be contracted through contaminated water, soil or dust, as well as contact with contaminated animal pelts or paws.
The lone star tick is known to spread several diseases, including ehrlichiosis, tularemia and Alpha-gal syndrome.
Health officials say that tularemia cannot be spread person to person.
