Heartland and Bourbon Virus
Heartland virus and Bourbon virus are rare illnesses linked to Lone Star tick bites in parts of the United States. Both can cause fever, tiredness, and low blood cell counts. Neither has a specific antiviral treatment, so doctors treat the symptoms. They are uncommon. But severe or lasting symptoms after a tick bite always need to be checked by a doctor quickly. This page is for learning only.
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The short version
- Rare viral illnesses linked to Lone Star tick bites.
- Symptoms can include fever, tiredness, headache, muscle aches, nausea.
- No specific antiviral treatment. Care is supportive.
- Prevention (avoiding bites) is the best protection.
Heartland virus
Heartland virus can cause fever, tiredness, headache, muscle aches, and low counts of certain blood cells. Most reported cases have been in people who spent a lot of time outdoors where the Lone Star tick lives. No antiviral medicine targets it, so doctors treat the symptoms.
Bourbon virus
Bourbon virus was first found in the US in 2014. It is very rare. It can cause fever, tiredness, rash, headache, and low blood cell counts. As with Heartland virus, there is no specific treatment, so doctors treat the symptoms.
When to seek care and how to prevent bites
Get medical care for a high or lasting fever, severe tiredness, or feeling very unwell after a tick bite, and mention the bite. There's no specific treatment, so prevention matters most. Use repellent and permethrin-treated clothing, stay out of tall grass and brush, check for ticks daily, and remove ticks quickly.
Common questions
How serious are Heartland and Bourbon viruses?
Both are rare and vary in how severe they are. Some people have needed hospital care. There is no specific antiviral treatment, so doctors treat the symptoms. Severe or lasting symptoms after a tick bite need to be checked by a doctor quickly.
Is there a treatment or vaccine?
No. There is no specific antiviral treatment and no vaccine for either virus. A licensed doctor guides care, which treats the symptoms. That is why preventing tick bites comes first.
How can I protect myself?
Avoid bites. Use EPA-registered repellent and treat clothing with permethrin. Stay out of tall grass and leaf litter, check for ticks every day, and remove attached ticks right away.
Sources
- 1.Heartland Virus (opens in a new tab) · CDC
Rare virus associated with Lone Star tick bites; no specific antiviral treatment.
- 2.Bourbon Virus (opens in a new tab) · CDC
Rare tickborne virus first identified in the U.S. in 2014; supportive care only.
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This guide is here to help you learn. It is not medical advice. If you have symptoms or questions, see a doctor. If someone has trouble breathing or a severe allergic reaction, call 911. Read our sources and disclaimer.