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Health Officials Warn of Rare Tick-Borne Illness on Long Island Affecting Residents

Health Officials Warn of Rare Tick-Borne Illness on Long Island Affecting Residents

Health officials on Long Island have issued a warning about a rare tick-borne illness that has been reported in Suffolk County. In 2026, three cases have been identified, with symptoms including high fevers and extreme fatigue. This development has prompted local health authorities to alert the public about the potential risks associated with tick bites, especially during the warmer months when tick activity is heightened. The illness, though rare, poses a significant health concern due to its severe symptoms and the potential for misdiagnosis with other common illnesses.

Doctor says cases of this deadly tick-borne virus may go undetected

Doctor says cases of this deadly tick-borne virus may go undetected

While rare, one expert said Bourbon virus is probably underdiagnosed and may be expanding in the U.S. Here's what to know about the tick-borne illness.

First Case of Rare Tickborne Bourbon Virus Confirmed in New York, Raising Public Health Concerns

First Case of Rare Tickborne Bourbon Virus Confirmed in New York, Raising Public Health Concerns

The first case of the Bourbon virus, a rare tickborne illness, has been confirmed in New York State, specifically on Long Island. This virus, transmitted by the Lone Star tick, was first identified in Bourbon County, Kansas, in 2014. The patient, treated at Stony Brook Medicine, exhibited severe symptoms and was hospitalized, but has since recovered. The virus is known to have caused at least two fatalities, one in 2014 and another in 2026. A study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene analyzed 107 individuals with symptoms of tick-borne illnesses between 2019 and 2024, suggesting that the virus may be more prevalent than currently diagnosed. The presence of Lone Star ticks in the Northeast, including New York, indicates a potential for wider spread.

Bourbon Virus Confirmed in New York: A New Tick-Borne Threat Emerges

Bourbon Virus Confirmed in New York: A New Tick-Borne Threat Emerges

For the first time, Bourbon virus has been confirmed in New York, with a case identified in a 67-year-old Suffolk County man. The virus, carried by lone star ticks, has previously been confirmed only six times in the U.S. The disease is difficult to diagnose due to the lack of commercial tests and its symptoms overlap with other tick-borne illnesses. Testing of ticks and deer in New York has shown that the virus is more prevalent than previously thought, with evidence of active transmission in Suffolk County and other parts of the state.

Congressman Josh Gottheimer Hosts Roundtable on Rising Lyme Disease Threat in New Jersey

Congressman Josh Gottheimer Hosts Roundtable on Rising Lyme Disease Threat in New Jersey

U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer recently organized a roundtable in Haworth, New Jersey, to address the increasing threat of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases in the state. The event brought together local officials, physicians, and advocates to discuss the rising number of cases, diagnostic challenges, and the need for enhanced federal support for research and public awareness. New Jersey is one of the states with the highest burden of Lyme disease, having reported over 4,000 tick-borne disease cases in 2026, including more than 3,500 Lyme cases. Participants highlighted issues such as limited public awareness, difficulties in obtaining accurate diagnoses, and gaps in physician education. Gottheimer emphasized the importance of passing the Kay Hagan Tick Act, which aims to establish a national strategy for Lyme disease, and securing federal funding for related programs.

Ohio Department of Health Declares Measles Outbreak in Two Counties

Ohio Department of Health Declares Measles Outbreak in Two Counties

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has declared a measles outbreak in Ashtabula and Tuscarawas counties. According to ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff, there are currently three cases in Ashtabula County and one in Tuscarawas County. The individuals affected have not been vaccinated, which has prompted local and state health departments to work on identifying and notifying anyone who might have been exposed. This outbreak is part of a larger trend, as Ohio has seen 15 measles cases in 2026, following previous outbreaks in Cuyahoga County in January and Franklin County in February. The state recorded 45 measles cases in 2025, seven in 2024, and one in 2023. Vanderhoff emphasized the importance of vaccination, noting that measles is preventable and urging residents to protect themselves and their children by getting vaccinated.

What is the Bourbon virus and how do people get it?

What is the Bourbon virus and how do people get it?

An essential explainer on Bourbon virus, a rare tick-borne illness, covering what it is, its symptoms, how it's transmitted, and how to prevent it.

High Rip Current Risk and Humid Weekend for Long Island

High Rip Current Risk and Humid Weekend for Long Island

The National Weather Service has issued a high rip current risk for the South Shore of eastern Suffolk County, Long Island, following multiple rescue reports on Friday. Overnight conditions will be partly cloudy with lows in the upper 60s to low 70s. Saturday is expected to be warm and humid with highs around 84°F (29°C), featuring a mix of sun and clouds. Sunday will be mostly cloudy with a chance of spotty rain showers in the afternoon and evening, and highs near 82°F (28°C). The humidity will persist throughout the weekend. Monday is forecasted to bring periods of moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with highs around 83°F (28°C).

First Case of Rare Bourbon Virus Confirmed in New York, Raising Public Health Concerns

First Case of Rare Bourbon Virus Confirmed in New York, Raising Public Health Concerns

Researchers have confirmed the first case of Bourbon virus in New York State, a rare tick-borne infection carried by lone star ticks. The discovery on Long Island suggests that the virus may be more prevalent in the region than previously thought. Bourbon virus, first identified in Kansas in 2014, is difficult to diagnose due to overlapping symptoms with other tick-borne illnesses and the lack of a widely available diagnostic test. The virus does not respond to antibiotics, and there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment available.

Anchorage Wastewater Testing Reveals Measles Warning Amid Low Vaccination Rates

Anchorage Wastewater Testing Reveals Measles Warning Amid Low Vaccination Rates

Wastewater testing in Anchorage, Alaska, has detected genetic material from the measles virus, indicating the presence of the highly contagious disease in the area. State health officials warn of the potential for an outbreak, particularly given the low measles vaccination rates in Alaska. The detection serves as an early warning for healthcare providers and the public to ensure vaccinations are up to date. The presence of measles in wastewater highlights the importance of monitoring infectious diseases through innovative methods.

Experts Warn of Rising Tick-Borne Diseases Amid Expanding Habitats

Experts Warn of Rising Tick-Borne Diseases Amid Expanding Habitats

Tick-borne diseases are on the rise in the U.S., with new pathogens spreading alongside ticks. Experts emphasize the importance of prevention due to increasing reports of tick-borne illnesses, partly attributed to regional climate changes and expanding tick habitats. Dr. Natasha Wyndham Hanners, an infectious disease specialist, highlights the growing concern as new tick-borne viruses, such as orthonairoviruses, evade the human immune system. In states with dense lone star tick populations, cases of Alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-triggered red meat allergy, are increasing. Prevention strategies include performing tick checks after outdoor exposure, using repellents, and maintaining tick-free environments by managing yard vegetation.

IDSA Releases 2026 Guidance on Antimicrobial Resistant Infections

IDSA Releases 2026 Guidance on Antimicrobial Resistant Infections

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has released updated guidance for the treatment of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) infections. This document provides treatment recommendations for infections caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E), AmpC β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (AmpC-E), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), and other resistant pathogens. The guidance emphasizes the importance of pathogen identification and in vitro susceptibility data in selecting appropriate treatment strategies. It also highlights the need for updated projections on the burden of morbidity and mortality attributable to AMR, and harmonizes definitions of uncomplicated and complicated urinary tract infections with the 2025 IDSA Guidelines.