First Bourbon Virus Case Confirmed in New York
Most people know to keep an eye out for Lyme disease after a tick bite. But there's another tick-borne virus making headlines these days.
Doctors are calling attention to Bourbon virus after confirming the first known case in New York. While infections are extremely rare, this is still an important reminder that ticks can carry more than just Lyme disease.
What Is Bourbon Virus?
Bourbon virus is a rare illness spread by the lone star tick, the same tick that's also linked to alpha-gal syndrome, the condition that can trigger an allergy to red meat.
The virus was first identified in Kansas in 2014 and has only been confirmed in a small number of people across the States.
Because it's so uncommon, researchers believe some cases may have gone undiagnosed over the years.
How the Latest Case Was Discovered
The recent case involved a 67-year-old Long Island man who found two lone star ticks attached to his leg after doing yard work.
When he developed symptoms, doctors initially suspected Lyme disease because the illnesses can look very similar. However, after additional testing by specialists at Stony Brook Medicine, they confirmed he had Bourbon virus.
Researchers say the discovery suggests that the virus may have been circulating in the area longer than anyone knew, even if confirmed infections are rare.
Bourbon Virus Symptoms Can Look Familiar
One reason Bourbon virus symptoms can be difficult to recognize is that they overlap with several other tick-borne illnesses. Symptoms may include:
Fever
Fatigue
Headache
Muscle and body aches
Rash
Nausea or vomiting
In more severe cases, the illness can require hospitalization. At this time, there’s no antiviral treatment or vaccine for Bourbon virus, so medical care focuses on treating the symptoms.
Don't Let One Rare Virus Keep You Indoors
The good news is that Bourbon virus is still extremely uncommon, and most tick bites never lead to serious illness.
Still, it's worth taking a few simple precautions anytime you're spending time in grassy or wooded areas:
Use an EPA-registered insect repellent.
Wear long sleeves and long pants when possible.
Check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.
Remove attached ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers.
Those same habits can help lower your risk of Lyme disease and other illnesses carried by ticks.
A Little Awareness Goes a Long Way
Hearing about a rare tick-borne virus is alarming, but there's no reason to cancel your next hike or spend the rest of the summer indoors.
Instead, think of this as another reminder that a quick tick check is one of the easiest habits you can build into your outdoor routine.
A few extra minutes after a walk, a camping trip, or an afternoon of yard work can go a long way toward helping you enjoy the outdoors with a little more peace of mind.
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