‘Rabbit Fever’ Symptoms Explained As Suspected Cases Hit New York
Summary
Health officials in Suffolk County, New York, are investigating three possible cases of tularemia, also known as "rabbit fever," a rare bacterial infection. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report 64 cases nationwide so far in 2026, with symptoms often including fever, swollen lymph nodes, and skin sores.Key Facts
- Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis and is commonly found in wild animals like rabbits, rodents, and muskrats.
- Humans can get infected through tick or deer fly bites, contact with infected animals, breathing in contaminated dust, or drinking contaminated water.
- The disease is not spread from person to person.
- Symptoms usually appear 3-5 days after exposure and can include high fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and skin ulcers.
- Tularemia cases usually occur in the U.S. between May and September, when people are outdoors more and ticks are active.
- Fewer than 200 cases are reported in the U.S. each year, making it a rare illness.
- Tularemia can be treated effectively with antibiotics if caught early.
- Laboratory testing for the Suffolk County cases may take several weeks to confirm.
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