Bourbon Virus

Bourbon virus facts written by Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

• Bourbon viruses are members of the Thogotovirus genus of RNA viruses found worldwide. Some may cause illness and rarely death.
• People acquire infections with the virus when it transfers during a tick bite or possibly other insects.
• As of 2018, there have been very few infections in the Midwest and southern U.S.
• Individuals may show symptoms that include fever, tiredness, rash, headache, body aches, nausea, and vomiting.
• Risk factors include tick bites (and possibly other insect bites according to some individuals) and not taking protective measures to avoid tick or insect bites.
• Protective measures to prevent Bourbon virus infections include using tick and insect repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants, avoiding bushy and wooded areas, and doing a body check for ticks after being outdoors.
• Tests are under development. If you're concerned, contact your doctor.
• There is no specific treatment and no vaccine available for Bourbon virus disease.

Bourbon virus belongs to a group of viruses called thogotoviruses. Viruses in this group are found all over the world. A few of these viruses can cause people to get sick.

We do not yet fully know how people become infected with Bourbon virus. However, based on what we know about similar viruses, it is likely that Bourbon virus is spread through tick or other insect bites.

As of June 2018, a limited number of Bourbon virus disease cases have been identified in the Midwest and southern United States. At this time, we do not know if the virus might be found in other areas of the United States.

Because there have been few cases identified thus far, scientists are still learning about possible symptoms caused by this new virus. People diagnosed with Bourbon virus disease had symptoms including fever, tiredness, rash, headache, other body aches, nausea, and vomiting. They also had low blood counts for cells that fight infection and help prevent bleeding.

People likely become infected with Bourbon virus when they are bitten by a tick or other insect. Therefore, people who do not take steps to protect themselves from tick or insect bites when they work or spend time outside may be more likely to be infected.

There is no vaccine or drug to prevent or treat Bourbon virus disease. Therefore, preventing bites from ticks and other insects may be the best way to prevent infection. Here are ways to protect yourself from tick and other bug bites when you are outdoors:

• Use insect repellents
• Wear long sleeves and pants
• Avoid bushy and wooded areas
• Perform thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors

Tests that will help a doctor diagnose Bourbon virus infection are currently under development. See your healthcare provider if you have any symptoms that concern you.

Because there is no medicine to treat Bourbon virus disease, doctors can only treat the symptoms. For example, some patients may need to be hospitalized and given intravenous fluids and treatment for pain and fever. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, including Bourbon virus.

See your healthcare provider if you have any symptoms that concern you.

Scientists do not yet know what animals can get infected or become sick from Bourbon virus. Studies are ongoing to look at this. See your veterinarian if your pet or livestock have any symptoms that concern you.