Overview
- Local health officials said this week they have identified three probable cases of tularemia in Suffolk County and opened an active investigation while lab tests that can take weeks are pending
- One case involves a nine‑year‑old who fell ill after a tick bite and required multiple rounds of antibiotics before improving
- Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis and is most often spread in the U.S. by infected ticks, deerflies or contact with infected wild animals
- Typical signs include high fever, swollen lymph nodes and a skin ulcer at the bite site and early antibiotic treatment usually prevents severe complications
- Public health officials and the CDC stress there is no evidence of person‑to‑person spread and advise avoiding handling wildlife, using repellents and seeking care for persistent fever after a bite