About Bourbon Virus Disease
Bourbon virus is a thogotovirus, a member of the same family as the influenza viruses, and the first of its kind known to cause human illness in the Western Hemisphere. It was identified in 2014 after a previously healthy man in Bourbon County, Kansas, died of an illness that began with tick bites. Since then the virus has been found in lone star ticks in several states, and antibodies have been found in deer and raccoons, suggesting it circulates more widely than the handful of recognized human cases.
The CDC describes the illness as fever, fatigue, rash, headache, body aches, nausea and vomiting, with low white blood cells and low platelets. Like Heartland virus, which shares the same tick, it can look like ehrlichiosis that fails to respond to doxycycline. The incubation period is not established; the CDC's testing guidance looks for tick exposure in the 3 weeks before illness. Some patients have died during the acute illness, but with so few cases there is no reliable death rate.
There are no commercial tests. Samples go through the state health department to the CDC, which runs PCR and a neutralizing antibody test; because there is no specific IgM test yet, 2 blood samples taken weeks apart are usually needed, and the CDC will not test samples taken more than 3 months after symptoms began. Treatment is supportive care. There is no antiviral drug and no vaccine.
Common Symptoms of Bourbon Virus Disease
Recognizing the signs of Bourbon Virus Disease early can lead to faster diagnosis and better outcomes. Symptoms may vary in severity from person to person. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the following, consider speaking with a specialist.
- Fever and fatigue
- Rash, often flat and bumpy
- Headache and body aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Low white blood cells and low platelets on blood tests
- Severe illness and death in some reported cases
Who Bourbon Virus Disease Affects
People with tick exposure in areas where lone star ticks live, in the Midwest, East Coast and South. The CDC says it does not know whether the virus is present in other parts of the country. Too few cases have been described to say who is most at risk.
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Diagnosis and Testing
Tick-borne viral infection, diagnosed by PCR and antibody tests at the CDC; not genetic.
Trusted Bourbon Virus Disease Resources
Reputable organizations and medical references for learning more about Bourbon Virus Disease, including disease registries, foundation resources, and clinical guidelines.