In a shocking update, health experts confirmed the first known case of the rare Bourbon virus in New York, underscoring growing concerns that the potentially life-threatening disease may be more widespread as previously believed.
The case involved 67-year-old Michael Larkin, who contracted the disease by a bite by two lone star ticks while working outdoors in Suffolk County on Long Island.
Larkin contracted the infection in 2021; however, he was only officially diagnosed five years later after specialized laboratory testing.
Initially, doctors suspected Lyme disease due to the symptoms that closely resemble those of other tick-borne illnesses.
Following the suspicion, the patient received treatment against the disease; however, it didn’t affect the Bourbon virus.
As the infection progressed, Larkin developed fever, rash, night sweats and severe headache ahead of being admitted in the hospital for five days.
Eventually, he made a full recovery.
What is Bourbon virus?
Bourbon virus is extremely rare and, with no vaccine, no approved antiviral treatment and no commercially available diagnostic test.
Patients receive treatment with supportive care, including intravenous fluids and medications to manage fever and pain.
Bourbon virus symptoms
Bourbon virus symptoms include fever, fatigue, rash, body aches, nausea, vomiting and headaches.
The virus is transmitted by lone star ticks, identifiable by the distinctive white spot on the backs of adult females. These ticks are common in areas with more trees and have expanded their range as white-tailed deer populations increase and warmer temperatures allow ticks to survive farther north.
Lone star ticks are also known to spread ehrlichiosis and can trigger alpha-gal syndrome, a condition that causes a potentially lifelong allergy to red meat and dairy products.
