tularemia's Disease Outbreak in New York

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SUMMARY

Suffolk County, New York, experienced a notable increase in tularemia cases during the summer of 2026, with three probable cases reported, including a 9-year-old boy who recovered after antibiotic treatment. This surge follows a historical trend where Suffolk County has accounted for a significant percentage of New York's rare tularemia cases, particularly since 2014. Public health officials have intensified surveillance efforts, detecting the causative bacteria, Francisella tularensis, in local tick populations. The current situation highlights the ongoing risk of tick-borne illnesses in the region and prompts public health advisories on prevention.

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August 2026 — 1 developments

  1. tularemia's Disease Outbreak in New York

    Three probable cases of tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, have been reported in Suffolk County, New York, during the summer of 2026. The bacterial disease, which can be serious if untreated, is spread through tick bites or contact with infected animals and is not transmitted person-to-person. Symptoms include skin ulcers and swollen lymph nodes. One case involved a 9-year-old boy from Riverhead who recovered after antibiotic treatment. Suffolk County has historically reported a significant percentage of New York's tularemia cases.