What is Bourbon Virus?
Bourbon virus belongs to a group of viruses called thogotoviruses.
How is Bourbon Virus Transmitted
So far research has shown it is transmitted through tick and other insect bites. [source]
Where have Cases been Found?
Most of the cases of Bourbon Virus have been in the Midwest. Ticks spread and with global warming and their travel on birds and rodents will continue to spread. So far there have been cases in Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas.
What are the Symptoms of Bourbon Virus?
- fever
- fatigue
- rash
- headache
- body aches
- nausea
- vomiting
- low blood counts for cells that fight infection and help prevent bleeding
Prevention of Bourbon Virus
So far the best way to prevent Bourbon Virus is to avoid ticks. Make sure to avoid grassy, bushy or woody areas. Stick to trails. Wear insect repellent. Perform tick checks and properly remove ticks if found. Click here for more prevention methods.
The Unknown Facts Yet with Bourbon Virus
- They are still working on testing to detect Bourbon Virus according to the CDC.
- Scientists are unsure if Bourbon Virus can affect animals.
- There is no cure for Bourbon Virus. Patients are usually hospitalized and put on IV to hydrate patient.
Know Facts about Bourbon Virus
- It can be fatal.
- The virus was discovered in 2014.
- The Bourbon virus was first identified in a previously healthy man aged more than 50 years from Bourbon County, Kansas, who subsequently died from it.
- As of 2017, there have been five confirmed cases since 2014.
- The CDC is trying to develop investigational diagnostic tests for Bourbon virus infection.
Articles on Bourbon Virus
- Case of Bourbon virus, rare tick disease, is confirmed in Missouri
- Bourbon virus: Missouri resident tests positive
- Killer Kansas virus remains a mystery as another tick season begins
- Missouri woman dies after contracting rare tick-borne Bourbon virus
- Second case of rare Bourbon virus found in U.S.
- New tick-borne virus, Bourbon Virus, discovered after Kansas man dies
Sources and Research
- Kosoy OI, Lambert AJ, Hawkinson DJ, Pastula DM, Goldsmith CS, Hunt DC, et al. Novel Thogotovirus species associated with febrile illness and death, United States, 2014. Emerg Infect Dis. 2015 May;21(5):760-4.
- Kansas Department of Health and Environment. KDHE and CDC Investigate New Virus. Accessed on February 10, 2015.
- Lambert AJ, Velez JO, Brault AC, Calvert AE, Bell-Sakyi L, Bosco-Lauth AM, et al. Molecular, serological and in vitro culture-based characterization of Bourbon virus, a newly described human pathogen of the genus Thogotovirus. J Clin Virol. 2015 Dec;73:127-32.
- CDC’s Advanced Molecular Detection story Tried-and-true and State-of-the-art Combine to Uncover a Hidden Virus.
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)