New York State has confirmed its first case of Bourbon virus, a rare and potentially deadly infection spread through tick bites, according to the New York Post.
Michael Larkin, 67, who worked outdoors in Suffolk County, was bitten by two Lone Star ticks. He developed severe symptoms including fever, headaches and a rash. Doctors initially misdiagnosed him with Lyme disease, allowing the virus to advance.
No specific treatment, vaccine or commercial test exists for Bourbon virus. The virus was first identified in 2014, and since then six people have been infected, at least two of whom did not survive. Doctors believe the true number of cases may be considerably higher.
Lone Star ticks, named for a white spot on their backs, live in forests, tall grass and shrubs. Their population is growing due to rising numbers of white-tailed deer, mild winters and warm seasons. The ticks also cause alpha-gal syndrome, a lifelong allergy to meat and dairy, as well as the bacterial infection ehrlichiosis.
