Health officials in Suffolk County, New York, have flagged a rare but potentially serious tick-borne illness known as tularemia, or "rabbit fever," after three probable cases were identified in the area this year. The county sits on Long Island, close to New York City, and the warning highlights growing concern about tick-related diseases as case numbers rise during peak tick season.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services confirmed it currently has three probable tularemia cases in 2026, with further confirmation of the diagnoses still pending. Tularemia is caused by bacteria that can be spread through tick and deer fly bites, as well as contact with infected animals such as rabbits, and can cause symptoms including fever, skin ulcers and swollen lymph nodes if untreated.