The first case of the rare and potentially fatal Bourbon virus has been confirmed in the US state of New York, People magazine reported on August 1.
“New York has confirmed its first case of the Bourbon virus, which is incurable and potentially fatal,” the report states.
The infection was diagnosed in 67‑year‑old Michael Larkin from Long Island, who found two Lone Star ticks on his leg while working in his yard. The man reported severe headaches and a general decline in his health.
The Bourbon virus was first identified in 2014 in Bourbon County, Kansas, according to the publication. Since then, cases have been recorded in the Midwest, the East Coast, and the southern United States. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, rash, body aches, nausea, and vomiting. It is believed to be transmitted by infected ticks, and there are no available drugs or vaccines against the virus.
Doctor Luis Marcos, who confirmed the diagnosis, noted that Long Island has a high population of tick vectors, and the virus can be easily mistaken for Lyme disease. He added that there are no commercial tests for the Bourbon virus and that diagnosis is challenging.
Separately, CBS News reported on July 19 that a second death linked to a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in the Upper East Side of Manhattan had been recorded in New York. The number of infected individuals had risen to 72, with two deaths and nine people still under hospital observation.
About the Author
