An unusual spike of four recent tularemia cases on eastern Long Island, NY, might have some people wondering if cases of this rare but dangerous bacterial infection might also increase across New England – but that hasn’t been the case as yet.
Also known as “rabbit fever” because hunters who shoot and then dress their game can be exposed to the bacteria, Tularemia primarily targets small mammals like wild rabbits and rodents. It is mostly transmitted to humans through the bites of infected dog ticks, lone star ticks, and deer flies. People can also contract it by directly handling sick or deceased wildlife, or by inhaling contaminated dust while landscaping. Officials believe one of the recent Long Island cases occurred after a homeowner removed a dead rabbit from his lawn.
So far in 2026, official case counts reflect the sporadic but persistent nature of the disease in the Northeast. Public health departments in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island all report zero confirmed human cases as of mid-August. Meanwhile, Massachusetts is investigating fewer than three suspected or isolated cases, lining up with the state’s typical baseline. Nationally, tularemia remains exceptionally rare, averaging only 200 to 300 cases per year. However, parts of Massachusetts, particularly Martha’s Vineyard and Dukes County, historically record the highest incidence in the Northeast, fluctuating between 2 and 16 cases annually.
Onset of tularemia symptoms typically appear within three to five days of exposure, causing high fevers, severe head and neck pain, painfully swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive skin ulcer at the bite site. To stay safe, officials recommend using DEET-based repellents and thorough tick checks, as well as wearing long pants and long sleeves to fend off ticks. Also, avoid mowing over animal carcasses since inhaling contaminated dust can transmit the disease. Lastly, be sure to cook harvested game to at least 156° F.
Tularemia can be treated with specific prescription antibiotics if diagnosed promptly. Since the medicine needed for treatment may not be immediately available at some pharmacies it is vital that diagnosis is not delayed. Treatment lasts 10 days to three weeks.
Written by Tom Schlichter
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