Rare Tick Virus Is ‘Just the Tip of the Iceberg,’ Infectious Disease Expert Says
Mon, August 3, 2026 at 10:13 PM
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A potentially deadly tick-borne illness called the Bourbon Virus has been confirmed in New York for the first time, raising questions about similar illnesses across the northeast
And although the potentially fatal virus is rare, health experts say it serves as an important reminder to take tick prevention seriously
Bourbon Virus has no specific treatment, and health experts say there’s still very little known about it
But what they say they do know is that tick populations and the viruses that come with them are growing
Dr. Neil Vora, a former CDC physician and infectious disease expert says there’s a growing concern for a wide range of new tick-borne diseases as the climate continues to change
Vora says experts are seeing these new diseases emerge because milder winters are allowing more ticks to survive into the spring and summer
Meanwhile, Mary Vibostok with the Cambria County Vector Control Office says ticks are still active across the region, even though collections are down about one-third compared to this time last year
Vora adds that the New York case should serve as a reminder to stay vigilant
He explained, “Bourbon Virus is just the tip of the icebergIt underscores the need for us to continue to look for these diseases to make sure that people when they’re sick after tick bites that they’re going to get care.”
Vibostok says before you spend time outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas where ticks are common, you should apply an insect repellent
Vora also recommends doing a thorough tick check after spending time outside and contacting your healthcare provider if you develop a fever, rash, or fatigue after a bite
