No, readers—you can't catch Bourbon virus by sipping a glass of Kentucky bourbon. The virus has nothing to do with whiskey. It gets its name from Bourbon County, KS, where the first known human case was identified in 2014. Like many viruses, it was named after the location where it was first discovered rather than what caused it. Unfortunately, unlike a fine bourbon, this virus is no cause for celebration.

A recent report of a confirmed human case of Bourbon virus on Long Island is another reminder that emerging tick-borne diseases are no longer limited to distant places. While Bourbon virus remains rare, its appearance in New York underscores a reality that residents of the Upper Delaware River Valley know well: ticks are expanding their range, and the diseases they carry are becoming more diverse.

For years, our communities have become familiar with Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis and ehrlichiosis. Bourbon virus, first identified in 2014, is a much newer concern. Believed to be transmitted primarily by the Lone Star tick, the virus can cause fever, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea and low blood cell counts. Although most people will never encounter it, severe illness has occurred, and several cases nationwide have been fatal.

The recent Long Island case should not cause panic, but it should encourage awareness. Lone Star ticks are no longer confined to the southern United States. Their populations have steadily expanded into New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including areas where people hike, camp, garden, hunt, and enjoy the outdoors. The same environmental conditions that support other tick species can also support the spread of the Lone Star tick.

Prevention

Fortunately, there are simple steps everyone can take to reduce the risk of tick bites. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes when spending time in wooded, grassy, or brushy areas. Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or another recommended ingredient, and consider treating clothing and outdoor gear with permethrin. Stay in the center of marked trails whenever possible and avoid brushing against tall vegetation.

After spending time outdoors, perform a thorough tick check on yourself, children, and pets. Showering within two hours of coming indoors can help wash away unattached ticks and provides another opportunity to check your skin. If you find an attached tick, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers by grasping the tick close to the skin and pulling straight upward with steady pressure.

The arrival of Bourbon virus in New York serves as another reminder that tick-borne illnesses continue to evolve. It is not a reason to avoid enjoying our forests, fields, rivers, and trails, but it is a reason to take sensible precautions.

If it's happening on Long Island today, there's every reason to believe it could eventually affect communities throughout our region. Staying informed, preventing tick bites, and seeking medical attention when symptoms develop after a tick bite are the best steps we can all take to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities.