Rare Bourbon Virus Confirmed in New York for the First Time

New York has confirmed its first Bourbon virus infection, identified by Stony Brook researchers from blood samples taken during tick-borne illness testing.

One hospitalized patient showed evidence of a recent infection, while another had antibodies that suggest past exposure.

The lone star tick carries the virus, which causes symptoms similar to other tick-borne diseases and is hard to detect without routine tests.

Because there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment, the finding raises concern that Bourbon virus may be more widespread in the Northeast than previously recognized.