Suffolk County Reports Three Probable Tularemia Cases, Highlighting Tick Risk

Three probable tularemia cases (rabbit fever), a rare tick- and wildlife-borne illness, have been reported in Suffolk County on Long Island. Lab confirmation can take weeks, and diagnosis combines tests with clinical/epidemiologic criteria. The cases come during a notably bad tick season; prevention tips include wearing protective clothing and avoiding sick or dead wildlife, with antibiotics effectively treating the infection. Nationwide, about 200 tularemia cases occur each year, and NYS has not confirmed any cases in 2026 so far.