Bourbon Virus

Several deadly tick-borne viruses have emerged in the Midwest in recent years, including the Heartland virus, first discovered in Missouri. Scientists say there are likely more that have gone undiagnosed.

As seasons become warmer due to climate change, more ticks survive, thrive and multiply, latching onto animals and humans and spreading diseases including Lyme disease and Heartland virus. A recent study by University of Missouri researchers found ticks are active eight months out of the year, from early spring through late fall. The extended season mean more ticks spread potentially fatal diseases.

As part of a two-year statewide effort to track ticks, scientists from A.T. Still University in Kirksville and the Missouri Department of Conservation are asking residents to mail in samples of the tiny parasites. The team plans to map the distribution of tick species on a county-by-county basis, along with their bacterial pathogens.

A small survey of St. Louis-area physicians found doctors greatly overestimate the prevalence of Lyme disease and underestimate the prevalence of other…

The rare Bourbon virus could be in the St. Louis region, state health officials say.A patient with symptoms matching the virus was bitten by a tick…

The Missouri legislature has retaliated against the state health department by including what some called drastic cuts to the agency in next year’s…

Amid an increase in tick-borne illnesses this year, Missouri health officials have launched a study to trap and test ticks for diseases. The Missouri…