Ticks are a familiar part of life on Long Island, and most people know to watch out for Lyme disease. But a recently confirmed case of Bourbon virus in Suffolk County has raised questions about another tick-borne illness that many people have never heard of.
The good news is that Bourbon virus is rare. Still, it’s a reminder that tick bites can spread more than just Lyme disease. Knowing what Bourbon virus is, recognizing the symptoms and taking steps to prevent tick bites can help you protect yourself and your family while continuing to enjoy the outdoors.
What Is Bourbon Virus?
Bourbon virus is a rare virus that is believed to spread primarily through the bite of an infected lone star tick. It was first identified in 2014 in Bourbon County, Kansas, and only a small number of human cases have been reported in the United States.
Unlike Lyme disease, which is caused by bacteria and can often be treated with antibiotics, Bourbon virus is caused by a virus. That distinction is important because viruses require a different approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers are still learning about Bourbon virus, including exactly how often it occurs and why some people become seriously ill while others may not.
Why Is Bourbon Virus Making Headlines on Long Island?
Bourbon virus recently gained attention on Long Island after the first confirmed case in New York State was diagnosed by physicians at Stony Brook Medicine.
Although this diagnosis does not mean Bourbon virus is widespread, it highlights an important reality for our region. Long Island has a large population of lone star ticks, which are believed to carry the virus. Because Bourbon virus causes symptoms that resemble other tick-borne illnesses, some infections may go unrecognized.
The overall risk remains very low, but awareness can help people seek medical care promptly if they become ill after a tick bite.
What Are the Symptoms of Bourbon Virus?
Early symptoms often resemble the flu and may include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle or body aches
- Rash
- Nausea or vomiting
These symptoms are not unique to Bourbon virus and can occur with many other illnesses, including several tick-borne diseases found on Long Island.
If you develop flu-like symptoms after a tick bite — or after spending time in wooded or grassy areas — tell your healthcare provider. Mentioning possible tick exposure can help guide your evaluation.
When Should You Monitor for Symptoms?
If you find a tick attached to your skin:
- Remove it promptly using fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight upward with steady pressure.
- Wash the bite area with soap and water.
- Note when and where the bite occurred.
After removing a tick, continue paying attention to how you feel over the next several days.
If you develop a fever, unusual fatigue, body aches or other flu-like symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. Be sure to mention:
- When you noticed the tick bite
- Where you may have been exposed
- When your symptoms began
These details can help your healthcare provider determine whether additional evaluation or testing is needed.
How Serious Can Bourbon Virus Be?
Most people will never develop Bourbon virus. However, the illness can become serious in some cases, particularly if symptoms continue to worsen.
Seek medical care promptly if you develop a high fever, worsening fatigue or other concerning symptoms after a tick bite.
Early evaluation allows your healthcare provider to monitor your condition, rule out other tick-borne illnesses and provide appropriate supportive care.
Should You Be Tested for Bourbon Virus?
Testing for Bourbon virus is not routinely available in most healthcare settings.
Because the illness is rare and its symptoms overlap with more common tick-borne diseases, your healthcare provider may first evaluate you for conditions such as Lyme disease, alpha-gal syndrome or other infections commonly seen in our region.
If Bourbon virus is suspected, your healthcare provider can determine whether additional testing is appropriate.
How Is Bourbon Virus Treated?
There is currently no specific antiviral medication or vaccine for Bourbon virus.
Instead, treatment focuses on supportive care, which may include:
- Rest
- Staying well hydrated
- Treating fever and other symptoms
- Monitoring for complications
- Hospital care if the illness becomes severe
Although there is no medication that specifically targets Bourbon virus, many people recover with supportive medical care. Because researchers are still learning about the virus, recovery can vary from person to person.
How Can You Prevent Tick Bites?
The best way to prevent Bourbon virus and many other tick-borne illnesses is to avoid tick bites whenever possible.
To reduce your risk:
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants when walking through wooded or grassy areas.
- Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to spot.
- Perform a full-body tick check after spending time outdoors.
- Shower soon after coming inside to help remove unattached ticks.
- Remove attached ticks promptly and correctly.
These same preventive measures also help reduce your risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses common on Long Island.
The Bottom Line
Although Bourbon virus has recently gained attention on Long Island, it remains a rare illness.
For most people, the best protection is the same advice healthcare providers have long recommended: prevent tick bites, perform regular tick checks and pay attention to new symptoms after spending time outdoors.
If you develop fever, fatigue or other flu-like symptoms after a tick bite, contact your healthcare provider and let them know about your recent exposure. Early evaluation can help identify the cause of your illness and ensure you receive the most appropriate care.
