Experts have confirmed the first case of the rare tick‑borne Bourbon virus in New York State (Long Island, July 2026). There is currently no cure and no vaccine, and the illness can be severe, making awareness and prevention critical.

🦠 What We Know About Bourbon Virus

• Discovered in 2014 in Bourbon County, Kansas.
• Caused by an RNA virus in the Thogotovirus genus.
• Believed to spread through lone star tick bites.
• No vaccines or medicines are available; treatment is supportive only.
• Cases have been reported in the Midwest, East Coast, and Southern U.S.

⚠️ Symptoms

Patients may experience:

• High fever and chills
• Fatigue and weakness
• Rash
• Headache and body aches
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• In severe cases: low white blood cell and platelet counts, liver enzyme abnormalities, and respiratory distress.

👥 Who Is at Risk?

• Outdoor workers, hikers, and campers
• Residents in tick‑dense areas (Long Island, Northeast U.S.)
• Children and older adults
• People with weakened immune systems

🛡️ How to Prevent Bourbon Virus

• Use insect repellents with DEET or permethrin.
• Wear long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas.
• Perform tick checks after outdoor activities.
• Keep lawns trimmed and avoid tall grass.
• Seek medical care if symptoms appear after a tick bite.

📍 Local Perspective & Case Update

• First NY case confirmed in April 2026 on Long Island.
• Identified by Stony Brook Medicine researchers in collaboration with the NYS Department of Health.
• Experts warn the virus may be more prevalent than currently diagnosed, due to lack of commercial testing.

❓ FAQs

Q1: Is Bourbon virus contagious person‑to‑person?

No. It spreads through tick bites, not human contact.

Q2: How is it diagnosed?

Samples must be sent to the CDC or state health departments; no commercial test exists.

Q3: Can antibiotics help?

No. Antibiotics do not treat viruses. Care is supportive (fluids, pain relief, hospitalization if severe).

Q4: Is it fatal?

Some cases have resulted in death, especially when misdiagnosed or untreated.

🚑 When to Seek Emergency Care (ER)

Go to the ER if you experience:

• Severe shortness of breath
• Chest pain or confusion
• High fever with rash and weakness
• Signs of organ failure (persistent vomiting, jaundice, bleeding)

🏥 Why Choose UrgentWay?

• Same‑day, walk‑in care with minimal wait times
• Affordable pricing ($120 first visit, $100 follow‑ups uninsured)
• All major insurances accepted
• Telemedicine services for chronic care and refills
• Convenient locations in Bronx, Manhattan, Hempstead, Hicksville

📞 Call 877-276-9006 🌐 www.urgentway.com