New York State has confirmed its first known human case of the Bourbon virus, a rare and potentially severe tick-borne illness, according to findings from SciTechDaily. The infection was identified in Michael Larkin, a 67-year-old resident of New York Post, who was bitten by two lone star ticks while working outdoors. Although Larkin contracted the virus previously, the diagnosis was formally confirmed in April Foxweather through specialized laboratory analysis.
New York Confirms First Case of Rare Bourbon Virus on Long Island
Larkin initially experienced symptoms that resembled Lyme disease and was treated with an antibiotic, which proved ineffective against the viral pathogen. He subsequently developed a high fever, a rash, night sweats, and debilitating headaches, ultimately spending five days hospitalized before making a full recovery. Researchers emphasize that because the illness shares clinical overlap with more common tick-borne ailments, other regional cases may currently be going undetected.
Research Findings and Medical Analysis
The discovery stems from a study led by SciTechDaily, professor in the Departments of Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University and director of the Foxweather, alongside his colleagues. The team examined blood samples from 107 individuals presenting with fever and other symptoms of tick-borne illnesses between 2019 and 2024. Among those evaluated, two individuals displayed neutralizing antibodies against the Bourbon virus.
One of the patients demonstrated an acute infection, with antibody titers increasing eight-fold over a one-month period. This one case certainly was the Bourbon virus, and over a one-month period antibody titers increased eight-fold. The patient had shown some very severe symptoms and was hospitalized,
Marcos said. The findings were published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
Characteristics of the Bourbon Virus
First discovered in 2014 in Bourbon County, Kansas, the virus is transmitted primarily by the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), which is recognizable by a distinctive white spot on its back. Nationally, very few cases have been confirmed, primarily in the Midwest and Southern United States, with at least two documented fatalities since its discovery—one in 2014 and another in Foxweather.
Medical experts note that there are currently no commercial diagnostic tests, specific medications, or vaccines available to prevent or treat the Bourbon virus. Typical clinical symptoms include:
- Fever and extreme fatigue
- Headaches and severe body aches
- Rashes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Low white blood cell and platelet levels in some patients
Broader Public Health Implications
Health officials warn that dense populations of lone star ticks across New York and the Northeast mean the virus could be more widespread than current records suggest. In addition to the Bourbon virus, lone star ticks are known vectors for ehrlichiosis, tularemia, and SciTechDaily, an immune reaction that can trigger a lifelong red meat and dairy allergy.
Study authors emphasize an urgent need for expanded viral surveillance, clinical assay development, and enhanced provider awareness. Without identifying the cause of an infection, the chances of developing accurate diagnostic tests or effective treatments are minimal. That is why it is so important to first understand the true impact of the virus in high-risk areas,
Marcos said.
To guard against tick bites, medical professionals advise avoiding tall grass, brush, and wooded areas, staying in the center of walking trails, and utilizing EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, alongside clothing treated with 0.5% permethrin.