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Suffolk County

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Two Suffolk raccoons test positive for rabies, triggering public health alert
local26 days ago

Two Suffolk raccoons test positive for rabies, triggering public health alert

Two raccoons in Suffolk County have tested positive for rabies, the 43rd and 44th confirmations since February 7, 2025. One raccoon was found dead in Bay Shore and submitted for testing; the other was found alive in Babylon after a resident came into contact and sought medical care. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services says the exposed person is in good health, and officials urge anyone who sees a raccoon acting abnormally to call 631-852-COPS or the New York State DEC at 631-444-0250.

Ground Zero cancer surge: Northwell Health logs a 75% rise in 9/11‑related cancers
health28 days ago

Ground Zero cancer surge: Northwell Health logs a 75% rise in 9/11‑related cancers

Northwell Health reports a 75% increase in 9/11‑related cancers within its World Trade Center Health Program over the past 42 months, with 132 new cases in the first half of 2026 and about 2,445 total cancer cases since 2013; roughly 1,500 patients are currently battling these illnesses, underscoring the long‑term health toll from Ground Zero exposure.

Long Island stripper sues doctor after restraining-order bid tied to alleged affair
us-news2 months ago

Long Island stripper sues doctor after restraining-order bid tied to alleged affair

Rosnana Kissoon, a 39-year-old Long Island stripper, filed a Suffolk County Supreme Court lawsuit against Dr. Keith Hoerning and his wife after an 18‑month affair, alleging Hoerning promised to leave his wife but then sought to have her arrested and imposed legal pressure when she told his wife about the relationship. She seeks damages potentially exceeding $1 million, while Hoerning dismisses the claims as extortion and points to alleged threats against his family. The case outlines messages, financial support, and a cease‑and‑desist notice, with Kissoon saying the fallout cost her employment and caused emotional distress; Hoerning and his wife deny the allegations and say they have evidence to counter the claims.

Long Island logs fourth tularemia case as rabbit fever rises
health2 months ago

Long Island logs fourth tularemia case as rabbit fever rises

Suffolk County, Long Island, has confirmed a fourth case of tularemia (rabbit fever). The illness, caused by Francisella tularensis and spread mainly via wildlife and vectors like ticks and deer flies, is not contagious between people but can be severe if untreated. Officials note cases peak May–September and advise precautions: use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, check for and remove ticks promptly, avoid mowing over dead animals, avoid untreated surface water, handle wildlife with gloves, and seek medical care promptly if symptoms such as high fever, swollen lymph nodes, or skin ulcers appear.

Tularemia Surfaces in New York: Tick-Linked 'Rabbit Fever' in Suffolk County
health2 months ago

Tularemia Surfaces in New York: Tick-Linked 'Rabbit Fever' in Suffolk County

New York health officials report tularemia—often called rabbit fever—has appeared in Suffolk County with multiple cases in recent years (six in 2025, four in 2024, three in 2023), while New York City has seen only about 10 cases since 2000. The infection, transmitted by tick bites or contact with infected animals, can cause varied symptoms and may progress to pneumonia if untreated. It is treatable with antibiotics such as doxycycline. Prevention focuses on using EPA-registered insect repellents, wearing protective clothing outdoors, performing tick checks on people and pets, handling wildlife with gloves, and cooking game meat thoroughly.

Three Probable Tularemia Cases Spotlight Tick-Borne Rabbit Fever on Long Island
health2 months ago

Three Probable Tularemia Cases Spotlight Tick-Borne Rabbit Fever on Long Island

Suffolk County health officials report three probable tularemia cases, a rare tick- or animal contact–transmitted infection also known as rabbit fever caused by F. tularensis. It is not spread person-to-person and can be contracted via tick or fly bites, direct contact with sick animals, contaminated water, or undercooked game. Symptoms include high fever, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, and a painful sore, typically appearing 3–5 days after exposure (up to 21 days). Treatment is with antibiotics; a vaccine exists only for lab workers and is not generally available. Prevention includes avoiding ticks with protective clothing and checks, wearing gloves when skinning game, and cooking meat thoroughly. Suffolk has seen several recent cases, with 2025 data not yet available, and officials warn of a potentially tougher tick season after a mild winter.

Long Island Reports Three Probable Tularemia Cases as Tick-Borne Illnesses Rise
health2 months ago

Long Island Reports Three Probable Tularemia Cases as Tick-Borne Illnesses Rise

Three probable tularemia cases, also known as rabbit fever, have been identified in Suffolk County, Long Island, as tick-borne illnesses rise. The illness can be contracted through tick bites, handling infected animals, contaminated water, inhaled dust, or even mowing over dead animals, and diagnosis can take weeks. It is not spread person-to-person; antibiotics are typically effective, and prevention includes using insect repellent and avoiding contact with sick or dead animals.

Suffolk County reports three probable tularemia cases amid rabbit fever warnings
health2 months ago

Suffolk County reports three probable tularemia cases amid rabbit fever warnings

Suffolk County health officials report three probable tularemia cases, a rare infection also called rabbit fever, transmitted mainly by ticks (e.g., Lone Star and American dog ticks) or contact with infected animals, contaminated water or undercooked meat. Symptoms include high fever, swollen lymph nodes, body aches and a painful skin sore; treatment typically involves antibiotics such as streptomycin, gentamicin or amikacin, and the disease is not spread person-to-person. A vaccine exists only for lab workers and isn’t widely available. Prevention focuses on avoiding tick bites (protective clothing, checks, repellents) and safe handling of game. Suffolk County has historically seen a handful of cases (4 in 2024, 3 in 2023, 1 in 2022), with 2025 data not yet released.

Three Probable Tularemia Cases Reported on Long Island
health2 months ago

Three Probable Tularemia Cases Reported on Long Island

Suffolk County, NY reports three probable tularemia cases (rabbit fever), likely acquired through tick or animal exposure; the illness is rare and not spread between people, with symptoms like high fever, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, and a painful sore. It is treatable with antibiotics, and prevention focuses on avoiding tick bites, safe handling of wildlife or game meat, and checking for ticks after outdoor activity.

Three Suspected Tularemia Cases in New York Signal Tick-Borne Rabbit Fever Risk
health2 months ago

Three Suspected Tularemia Cases in New York Signal Tick-Borne Rabbit Fever Risk

Three probable tularemia cases—also known as rabbit fever—are being investigated by Suffolk County health officials on Long Island. Tularemia is a rare but serious infection caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, transmitted by ticks or bites from infected animals, or through exposure to contaminated water, dust, or undercooked meat; symptoms include high fever, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes a severe skin sore. The disease is not spread person-to-person and is treatable with antibiotics, though a vaccine exists only for lab workers and is not widely available. Health officials advise avoiding tick bites, using gloves when handling game, cooking game meat thoroughly, and performing full-body tick checks after outdoor activities.