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By Alice Gibbs
Senior Reporter
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Officials are investigating three probable cases of tularemia, commonly known as "rabbit fever," in Suffolk County, New York. It comes as the latest CDC surveillance data show 64 reported cases across the 50 U.S. states so far in 2026.
Tularemia is a rare bacterial infection that can cause flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes and skin ulcers. While the illness can be serious if left untreated, health experts say the risk to the general public remains low. Fewer than 200 cases are typically reported nationwide each year.
The Suffolk County cases have not yet been confirmed, and health officials say laboratory testing could take several weeks.
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Newsweek reached out to Suffolk County via email for comment.
What Is Rabbit Fever?
Rabbit fever is the common name for tularemia, a disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. The infection occurs naturally in wild animals including rabbits, hares, rodents and muskrats. Humans can become infected when they are bitten by infected ticks or deer flies, handle infected animals, inhale contaminated dust or consume contaminated water.
According to the CDC, tularemia is uncommon in the United States, with most cases occurring between May and September when people spend more time outdoors and tick activity is highest.
Importantly, tularemia is not spread between people, meaning someone with the infection cannot pass it to family members, colleagues or friends.
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Why Is It Called Rabbit Fever?
The disease earned its nickname because rabbits are among the animals most commonly associated with carrying the bacteria.
Hunters and others handling infected rabbits historically contracted the illness after coming into contact with contaminated tissue. While rabbits remain a well-known source, people today are more likely to be infected through tick bites or bites from deer flies carrying the bacteria.
Rabbit Fever Symptoms
Symptoms usually begin between three and five days after exposure, although they can take up to three weeks to appear.
Common symptoms include:
- Sudden fever, which can be high
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue or weakness
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Skin ulcers or sores near the site of infection
- Sore throat
- Cough or chest pain in some cases
- Nausea and abdominal pain in certain forms of the disease
The exact symptoms often depend on how the bacteria entered the body. Someone infected through a tick bite may develop a skin ulcer and enlarged lymph nodes, while someone who inhales contaminated particles can develop a respiratory illness resembling pneumonia.
Rabbit Fever Outbreak Map
The map below shows reported tularemia cases across the 50 U.S. states in 2026, based on the latest CDC surveillance data available through July 29. States with higher totals remain concentrated in parts of the Midwest and South, but health officials stress that tularemia remains a rare disease and the overall risk to the public is low.
What to Do If You Contract Rabbit Fever
Anyone who develops persistent fever, swollen lymph nodes or unusual skin ulcers after a tick bite or exposure to wildlife should seek medical advice.
Tularemia can be effectively treated with antibiotics, particularly when diagnosed early. Doctors may prescribe medications such as streptomycin, gentamicin or other appropriate antibiotics depending on the patient and severity of illness.
People should inform healthcare providers about recent tick bites, outdoor activities or contact with wild animals, as these details can help speed diagnosis.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Alabama Jackson and Emma Lee-Sang
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