About Bourbon

Key points

  • Bourbon virus is rare and believed to spread through the bite of an infected tick.
  • Cases have been found in the Midwest and southern United States.
  • Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, rash, headache, body aches, nausea, and vomiting.
  • There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat Bourbon virus disease (Bourbon).
Lone star tick on a blade of grass

Overview

Bourbon virus is believed to be spread through the bite of an infected tick. The virus was discovered in 2014 and named for Bourbon County, Kansas where it was first identified.

A limited number of Bourbon cases have been reported in the Midwest and southern United States. At this time, CDC does not know if the virus might be found in other areas of the United States.

People diagnosed with Bourbon have reported symptoms including fever, fatigue, rash, headache, other body aches, nausea, and vomiting.

There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat Bourbon. Reduce your risk of infection from Bourbon virus by preventing tick bites.

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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)