Rare tick-borne viruses pop up in Midwest, New York

Health officials in Missouri, Indiana and New York recently confirmed cases of rare tick-borne viruses. Two cases resulted in death.

Here is a break down of each confirmed case.

Heartland virus in Indiana
The CDC on Tuesday confirmed two cases of Heartland virus occurred in Indiana over the last two years, according to WNDU. The two infected individuals both lived in southern Indiana and survived the infections. Common symptoms of Heartland virus, which was first discovered in 2012, include fever with flu-like symptoms and low blood cell count.

To learn more about the Heartland virus, click here.

Powassan virus in New York state
A Saratoga County, N.Y., resident died last month after contracting Powassan virus, according to The Daily Gazette. State health officials believe the individual likely contracted the virus in May, but did not disclose further information regarding the individual's identity or the circumstances surrounding the death.

This marks New York's first case of Powassan identified in New York this year, and the first case in the Albany, N.Y.-region since 2013. The state has recorded 24 confirmed cases since 2000 and five deaths, according to Bryon Backenson, a research scientist with the New York health department. Powassan virus symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, confusion, loss of coordination and seizures. However, many infected individuals do not show any symptoms, according to the CDC. 

To learn more about the Powassan virus, click here.

Bourbon virus in Missouri
A 59-year-old Missouri woman died June 23 after being infected with the Bourbon virus in late May, reports CBS News. Tamela Wilson is believed to have contracted the virus from a tick at Sullivan, Mo.-Meramec State Park, where she worked as an assistant superintendent.

The CDC does not fully understand how the virus is transmitted to humans, but suspects ticks or other insects serve as the primary vectors. Known Bourbon virus symptoms include headache, body aches, fever, rash and fatigue. Ms. Wilson represents only the fifth confirmed case of Bourbon virus since the disease was first discovered in 2014.

To learn more about the Bourbon virus, click here.

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