New York has recorded its first case of Bourbon virus, a rare tick-borne infection with no preventative vaccine, commercial test or treatment. Sixty-seven-year-old Michael Larkin was bitten by two lone star ticks while working outdoors in Suffolk County.
Bourbon virus symptoms, including fever, fatigue, rash, body aches, nausea and vomiting, resemble those of other tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease. Because the virus is so rare, doctors often misidentify it. Mr Larkin was treated with an antibiotic appropriate for Lyme disease, but it did not stop the virus.
Diagnosis confirmed after five years
Mr Larkin was infected in 2021, but it took five years for the diagnosis to be confirmed with specialised tests. He spent five days in hospital before making a full recovery, although recovery is not guaranteed in many cases.
Very few cases have been confirmed even in Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri, where the virus is more prevalent, averaging less than one case per year. Two of those cases have ended in death.
Doctor warns of “tip of the iceberg”
“Now we know the virus can be lethal,” Dr. Luis Marcos, who treated Mr Larkin, told CBS News. “On Long Island, at least, we have a lot of lone star ticks.” “And honestly this may be the very, very tip of the iceberg.”
Bourbon virus takes its name from the county in Kansas where it was first identified. It is carried by aggressive lone star ticks, which have a white dot or “lone star” on their back. These ticks are found in wooded areas, tall grass and brush.
The Bourbon virus relies on lone star ticks to spread, and the ticks rely on white-tailed deer, whose population has grown. Deer live beside humans and spend time in suburban yards.
Why ticks are spreading
Increased deer populations mean more ticks, while milder winters and longer warm seasons allow ticks to remain active for longer and move farther north.
Lone star ticks can also trigger alpha-gal syndrome, which can cause a lifelong meat and dairy allergy, and spread ehrlichiosis, a bacterial infection with flu-like symptoms.
How to protect yourself
To protect against tick bites, avoid grassy, brushy and wooded areas. When venturing into wooded areas, stay in the centre of trails.
