US 'Rabbit Fever' Alert: Three Suspected Cases Found in Suffolk County

Three suspected cases of tularemia, also known as 'rabbit fever', have been detected in Suffolk County, New York. Authorities have warned citizens to be cautious as the disease is usually spread through the bites of infected ticks or flies. Tularemia is an infection caused by the Francisella tularensis bacterium. The disease is most commonly spread through the bites of ticks or flies that have previously infected a wild animal, particularly a rabbit. According to experts, tularemia can also be spread through direct contact with infected animals, consumption of contaminated water, inhalation of contaminated dust, or eating undercooked rabbit meat. However, it is emphasized that the disease does not spread from person to person. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that fewer than 200 cases of tularemia are reported each year, but there has been an increase in cases in recent years. The disease is most commonly seen between May and September. Tularemia infection can manifest itself with symptoms such as high fever, swelling of lymph nodes, muscle pain, fatigue, and the formation of a wound at the site of the tick or fly bite. Symptoms usually appear within 3 to 5 days of exposure, but in some cases, this period can last up to 21 days. If left untreated, the infection can lead to life-threatening complications such as sepsis. Authorities state that the disease can be treated with antibiotics such as streptomycin, gentamicin, and amikacin. Experts predict that the tick population may increase this year due to the mild winter in New York. Health officials recommend wearing long-sleeved clothing and long pants in open areas, preferring light-colored clothing, avoiding dense brush areas, and carefully checking the body for ticks after spending time outdoors.