Health officials in Suffolk County, New York, say they are looking into three probable cases of tularemia, a rare infection commonly known as rabbit fever. The county health department reported the suspected cases on Monday, putting a spotlight on an illness that is uncommon but can be serious.

Tularemia is often associated with tick exposure and can also be linked to infected animals. Because of that, the report has raised concern during a time when residents may be spending more time outdoors and coming into contact with ticks or wildlife.

The announcement from Suffolk County does not confirm the cases as final diagnoses, but it signals that local health authorities are actively monitoring the situation. Even a small cluster can draw attention because tularemia is not a disease that appears frequently in most communities.

For New York residents, the reported cases are a reminder to stay alert to tick-related risks and to follow local public health guidance as more information becomes available. Officials have described tularemia as rare, but the investigation into these probable infections shows why early awareness matters.