Tick-borne 'rabbit fever' spreads with cases reported near major metro area

Health officials on Long Island are warning residents about a rare but potentially serious tick-borne illness.

Three probable cases of tularemia — also known as "rabbit fever" — have been confirmed by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS).

"SCDHS currently has three probable cases of tularemia this year," the agency said in a statement provided to local outlets. "Confirmation of a tularemia diagnosis requires a combination of laboratory testing and fulfillment of specific clinical or epidemiologic criteria.