India, Aug. 7 -- Cases of rabbit fever are increasing, with a fourth case confirmed in Suffolk County, leading health officials to advise the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

Tularemia, often referred to as rabbit fever, is a highly contagious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis.

Although it mainly impacts wildlife, including rabbits, hares, and rodents, ticks and deer flies often carry the bacteria and can transmit it to humans. Notably, this illness is not transmitted from one person to another.

County health officials have determined that a tick bite is responsible for one of the four local infections. However, they have not revealed the means of exposure for the other patients.

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