Ticks are more than just a nuisance — they can transmit rare but serious diseases. Recently, health officials confirmed the first New York case of Bourbon virus on Long Island, while tularemia (“rabbit fever”) continues to appear in Suffolk County. Both illnesses highlight the importance of tick bite prevention and knowing when to seek medical care.

🧬 What We Know

Bourbon Virus

• Discovered in 2014 in Kansas.
• Spread by lone star tick bites.
• Symptoms: fever, fatigue, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low white blood cell counts.
• No cure or vaccine — treatment is supportive only.

Tularemia (“Rabbit Fever”)

• Caused by Francisella tularensis bacteria.
• Spread by tick/deer fly bites, contact with infected animals, or contaminated food/water.
• Symptoms: fever, swollen lymph nodes, skin ulcers, cough, chest pain.
• Treatable with antibiotics if diagnosed early.

👥 Who Is at Risk?

• Outdoor workers, hikers, campers, hunters
• Children and older adults
• Pet owners (pets can carry ticks or contract tularemia)
• People with weakened immune systems

🛡️ Tick Bite Prevention Tips

• Use repellents with DEET or permethrin.
• Wear long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas.
• Perform tick checks after outdoor activities (including pets).
• Shower soon after being outdoors.
• Keep lawns trimmed and avoid tall grass.

📍 Local Perspective & Case Update

• Bourbon Virus: First NY case confirmed in Long Island (2026). Experts warn it may be underdiagnosed due to lack of commercial testing.
• Tularemia: Suffolk County reported four cases this summer, including infections linked to pets. Past years saw 3–6 cases annually.

❓ FAQs

Q1: Is Bourbon virus contagious person-to-person?
No. It spreads only through tick bites.

Q2: Can tularemia spread between people?
No. It spreads through animals, ticks, or contaminated sources.

Q3: How are these diseases diagnosed?

• Bourbon virus: specialized testing at CDC/state labs.
• Tularemia: blood tests, cultures, and clinical evaluation.

Q4: Can urgent care treat these conditions?
Yes. UrgentWay can evaluate symptoms, provide supportive care, and refer for specialized testing or antibiotics.

Q5: What’s the difference in treatment?

• Bourbon virus: supportive care only (fluids, hospitalization if severe).
• Tularemia: antibiotics are effective if started early.

🚑 When to Seek Emergency Care (ER)

Go to the ER if you experience:

• Severe shortness of breath or chest pain
• Confusion or loss of alertness
• High fever with rash and weakness
• Persistent vomiting, jaundice, or 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