Source: Fox News
Summary
A rare tick-borne virus, the Bourbon virus, has been confirmed in New York for the first time. The virus has no vaccine or specific treatment and has been associated with at least two deaths. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, rash, headache, body aches, and nausea. Researchers believe additional infections have likely gone undiagnosed due to a lack of commercially available diagnostic tests and healthcare providers’ unfamiliarity with the virus.
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The advice sounds familiar.
The Bourbon virus is transmitted through the common lone star tick, which is widely distributed in the Northeast, South, and Midwest United States. The virus has been associated with severe symptoms and at least two deaths. Researchers are warning that additional infections may be going undiagnosed due to a lack of diagnostic tests and healthcare providers’ unfamiliarity with the virus. The need for expanded surveillance and better testing to improve diagnosis and track the spread of Bourbon virus is highlighted. The situation is likely more prevalent than we think in our region and other cases are likely not being diagnosed.
It’s another example of how tick-borne diseases can quietly spread, making it difficult to track and diagnose.
Author: Evan Null
