First case of untreatable, potentially fatal Bourbon virus confirmed in New York

For the first time, a rare tick-borne infection has been confirmed in New York.Michael Larkin, 67, was working outdoors in Suffolk county when he was bitten by two lone star ticks, infecting him with Bourbon virus.There is no vaccine to prevent this disease, no commercial test to identify it — and no treatments for it.Its symptoms are similar to other tick-borne illnesses, like Lyme disease.Plus because it’s so rare, doctors may misidentify it, as they did in the case of this Long Island man.Larkin was treated with an antibiotic, which is appropriate for Lyme disease, but that let the Bourbon virus run wild.

He developed a rash, fever, night sweats and debilitating headaches.Other symptoms can include fatigue, rash, body aches, nausea and vomiting.He spent five days in the hospital before making a full recovery.

But others haven’t been so lucky.Very few cases have been confirmed across Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri, where the virus is more prevalent — averaging less than one case per year.Two of the cases have ended in death.“Now we know the virus can be lethal.On Long Island, at least, we have a lot of lone star ticks,” Dr.

Luis Marcos, who treated the man, told CBS News.“And honestly this may be the very, very tip of the iceberg.” Bourbon virus, named for the county where the disease was IDed in Kansas, is carried by lone star ticks.These aggressive ticks have a white dot or “lone star” on their back.

They’re found in wooded areas, tall grass and brush.Bourbon virus relies on lone star ticks to spread, and lone star ticks rely on white tailed deer.These deer have exploded in population and live beside humans.Their natural predators have been eliminated, and they love to hang out in suburban yards.More deer means more ticks.

Plus, milder winters and longer warm seasons mean ticks are out longer and going farther north.Lone star ticks can also cause alpha-gal syndrome, which can cause a lifelong meat and dairy allergy.It can also cause e...