For the first time, a rare tick-borne infection has been confirmed in New York.
A 67-year-old man, Michael Larkin, was working outdoors in Suffolk County when he was bitten by two lone star ticks, leading to his infection with the Bourbon virus.
This infection currently has no vaccine, no commercial test for detection, and no known treatments.
Its symptoms resemble those of other tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease. Unfortunately, due to its rarity, medical professionals might misdiagnose it—this was the case for Larkin.
Larkin was treated with antibiotics typically effective for Lyme disease, but this approach allowed the Bourbon virus to progress unchecked. He ended up with a rash, fever, night sweats, and severe headaches.
Other reported symptoms include fatigue, body aches, nausea, and vomiting. After spending five days in the hospital, he did recover, but not everyone has been as fortunate.
Cases have also been noted in states like Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, where the virus is more commonly found—averaging less than one case annually.
Tragically, two reported cases have resulted in fatalities.
“Now we know the virus can be deadly. Here on Long Island, we have lots of lone star ticks,” said Dr. Luis Marcos, who treated Larkin. “Honestly, this might just be the very beginning.”
‘Likely more prevalent than we think’
The Bourbon virus, named after the county in Kansas where it was first identified, is mainly spread by lone star ticks.
These ticks, which have a distinctive white dot or “lone star” on their backs, prefer to dwell in wooded areas, tall grass, and brush.
Lone star ticks depend on white-tailed deer for their lifecycle, and deer populations have surged, particularly in suburban regions. The absence of natural predators allows them to thrive, leading to an increased number of ticks.
Add to this the fact that milder winters and warmer seasons allow ticks to be active for longer periods and move further north, and you have a concerning situation.
These ticks can also lead to alpha-gal syndrome, resulting in an allergy to meat and dairy, and can cause ehrlichiosis, marked by flu-like symptoms.
Larkin was actually infected with the Bourbon virus back in 2021, but it took five years to receive a proper diagnosis via specialized tests. This raises an important question: how many others may have been infected in the region since then?
“The Bourbon virus is probably more common than we realize here, and many cases might go undiagnosed,” Marcos stated.
This suggests a significant need for improved monitoring, testing, and clearer guidelines for healthcare providers, according to Marcos and his team.
If a patient requires hospitalization, doctors will usually manage the symptoms—with IV fluids for dehydration and medications for pain and fever.
To protect yourself from ticks, it’s best to stay away from grassy, brushy, and wooded areas and to stick to the center of trails when hiking.
Additionally, treating your clothing with 0.5% permethrin and using EPA-registered insect repellents like DEET can help keep ticks at bay.
