The discovery of a rare tick-borne infection has surfaced in New York, with a 67-year-old man, Michael Larkin, contracting the Bourbon virus while working outdoors in Suffolk County after being bitten by two lone star ticks. The virus, lacking a preventive vaccine, commercial test, or specific treatment, can be easily misidentified due to its rarity, resembling symptoms of other tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease.
In Mr. Larkin’s case, the misidentification led to treatment with antibiotics designed for Lyme disease, failing to halt the progression of the Bourbon virus. Despite being infected in 2021, it took five years for specialized tests to confirm the diagnosis, highlighting the challenges in identifying this uncommon infection.
Following a five-day hospital stay, Mr. Larkin eventually recovered fully, although many cases do not end as positively. The Bourbon virus has been sporadic, predominantly seen in states like Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, with an average of less than one case annually, two of which resulted in fatalities, underscoring the potential severity of the virus.
Dr. Luis Marcos, who treated Mr. Larkin, emphasized the lethal nature of the virus, indicating a concerning trend given the prevalence of lone star ticks on Long Island and the possibility of more cases surfacing. Named after the Kansas county of its discovery, the Bourbon virus is transmitted by aggressive lone star ticks identifiable by a white dot on their back, commonly found in wooded areas and tall grass.
With lone star ticks relying on white-tailed deer for their life cycle, the increased deer population has led to a rise in tick numbers, exacerbated by milder winters and extended warm seasons that allow ticks to thrive further north. These ticks can also cause alpha-gal syndrome and transmit ehrlichiosis, emphasizing the need for precautions when venturing into tick-prone areas.
To minimize the risk of tick bites, individuals are advised to steer clear of grassy, brushy, and wooded locations, sticking to the center of trails when exploring wooded environments. Taking proactive measures against tick exposure is crucial, especially in regions where lone star ticks are prevalent, to reduce the likelihood of contracting diseases like the Bourbon virus.