Rare Bourbon Virus Detected in New York Following Tick Bite
A tick bite in New York unveiled a diagnostic issue, as a patient initially treated for Lyme disease was found to be infected with the Bourbon virus. This virus, a rare tick-borne illness, lacks a vaccine and cure. The case marks the first known Bourbon virus infection in New York State, specifically on Long Island, as confirmed in a study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
Dr. Suraj Saggar, chief of Infectious Disease at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, explained to Newsweek that tick-borne diseases are advancing into new regions due to climate change. He noted that areas historically experiencing colder, longer winters or substantial snow are now more conducive to ticks. “As temperatures rise and precipitation patterns change, ticks are able to spread northward and thrive in new ecosystems,” Saggar pointed out.
A Case of Misdiagnosis
The study’s authors detailed that the patient was first diagnosed with Lyme disease and treated with the antibiotic doxycycline. Despite treatment, symptoms like fatigue and severe headaches persisted. “This one case certainly was the Bourbon virus, and over a one-month period, antibody titers increased eightfold,” stated Luis Marcos, the lead author and a professor at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University. He mentioned that early symptoms of Bourbon virus closely mimic those of Lyme disease, explaining the initial incorrect diagnosis. Because no commercial test exists for Bourbon virus, suspected cases in New York require samples sent to the state health department for specialized analysis.
Case Discovery
This discovery was part of a broader study involving 107 individuals in Suffolk County, New York, who had fever and other post-tick bite symptoms between 2019 and 2024. Their blood samples were analyzed for three tick-borne viruses: Powassan, Heartland, and Bourbon. Results revealed antibodies for Bourbon virus in two patients and Heartland virus in one. A quadruple increase in antibody levels indicated a recent or active infection, emphasizing the importance of broader testing and monitoring for these lesser-known viruses.
Bourbon virus, first identified in 2014 in Bourbon County, Kansas, is mostly prevalent in central U.S. Although rare, this case suggests a potential expansion of its range. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, rash, headache, body aches, and nausea. It’s spread by the common lone star tick, which is causing medical concern due to its link to meat allergies.
Preventing Tick Bites
Saggar highlighted that tick-borne diseases are primarily seen in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and New England regions, along with parts of the Midwest and West, including Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Over the past 20 years, Lyme disease cases have significantly increased as tick habitats have grown.
He recommended wearing light-colored clothing, long sleeves, and pants tucked into socks when hiking, as ticks are attracted to darker colors. Using insect repellents with DEET and wearing permethrin-treated clothing provide additional protection.
After outdoor activities, Saggar advised conducting thorough body checks for ticks, especially behind the knees, in the groin, under the arms, and along the scalp, and promptly removing any attached ticks. “In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe doxycycline as a post-exposure measure if a tick has been attached for 48 to 72 hours,” he added.
Reference: Bateman, V. A., et al. (2026). Evidence of Heartland and Bourbon Viruses Transmitted by Ticks in Suffolk County, New York. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.26-0012.
For further information, contact Newsweek editors on this story: Kara Dolman and Sam Wilson.