Key Takeaway:
- New York confirmed its first Bourbon virus case after a Long Island man recovered from the rare tick-borne infection.
- Bourbon virus has no vaccine, approved treatment, or commercial diagnostic test, making early diagnosis difficult.
- Experts urge stronger tick surveillance and prevention as lone star ticks continue expanding across the Northeast.
New York has confirmed its first case of the rare Bourbon virus after a Long Island man infected by lone star ticks recovered from the potentially fatal illness, prompting renewed calls for stronger surveillance, testing and physician awareness.
Doctors confirm New York’s first Bourbon virus infection
Health officials have confirmed the first known case of Bourbon virus in New York after Michael Larkin, 67, contracted the rare tick-borne disease following bites from two lone star ticks while working outdoors in Suffolk County on Long Island.
Larkin became ill in 2021, but the infection was confirmed only recently after specialized laboratory testing, highlighting the challenges of diagnosing the virus. There is currently no vaccine, no commercially available diagnostic test, and no specific treatment for Bourbon virus.
Initially, doctors suspected Lyme disease because Larkin’s symptoms closely resembled other tick-borne illnesses. He received antibiotics appropriate for Lyme disease, but the Bourbon virus continued to progress.
Larkin developed a rash, fever, night sweats, and severe headaches before spending five days in the hospital. He later made a full recovery.
“Bourbon virus is likely more prevalent than we think in our region, and other cases are likely not being diagnosed,” said Dr. Luis Marcos, the infectious disease specialist who treated Larkin.
Experts warn virus may be underdiagnosed
Bourbon virus is named after Bourbon County, Kansas, where it was first identified. Confirmed cases remain extremely rare, with only a handful reported nationally, primarily in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.
According to health experts, fewer than 1 confirmed case is reported annually, on average, in the states where the virus is most commonly detected. At least two confirmed infections have resulted in death.
“Now we know the virus can be lethal. 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,” Marcos told CBS News.
Researchers say the delayed diagnosis demonstrates the need for improved surveillance, expanded laboratory testing and greater physician awareness.
“Without identifying the cause of an infection, the chances of developing accurate diagnostic tests or effective treatments are minimal,” Marcos said. “That is why it is so important first to understand the true impact of the virus in high-risk areas.”
Growing tick populations increase public health risks
Lone star ticks are commonly found in wooded areas, brush and tall grass. They are recognizable by the distinctive white spot on the backs of adult females.
Experts say expanding white-tailed deer populations, combined with milder winters and longer warm seasons, have contributed to the spread of lone star ticks into more northern regions, including the Northeast.
In addition to Bourbon virus, lone star ticks can transmit ehrlichiosis, a bacterial infection, and can trigger alpha-gal syndrome, a condition that may cause a long-term allergy to red meat and dairy products.
Because no targeted treatment exists for Bourbon virus, hospitalized patients typically receive supportive care, including intravenous fluids and medications to reduce fever and manage pain.
Health experts recommend avoiding brushy and wooded areas when possible, staying in the center of hiking trails, using Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents containing DEET, treating clothing with 0.5% permethrin, and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors.
