What is Bourbon Virus Infection & How is it Treated?

Bourbon Virus Infection is the name given to a relatively newly surfaced viral infection caused by the Bourbon virus. This virus is one of the latest viruses to have surfaced over the past few years. It belongs to the Thogotoviruses class. This virus can be found across the globe. As of now only two cases of Bourbon Virus Infection have been identified in the United States of which one resulted in the patient succumbing to the infection. Since the virus is relatively new not much is known about the details of the virus. It is very difficult to predict how an individual get infected with the Bourbon Virus Infection, although based on the evidence available so far tick or insect bites are believed to be the causative agent resulting in development of Bourbon Virus Infection.

As stated, the available evidence suggests that Bourbon Virus Infection is caused as a result of a tick or an insect bite thus people who are at risk for regular exposure to ticks and insects are at high risk for developing this infection. Thus people who work in poultry farms, or agriculture sector, or do a lot of camping outdoors are at most risk for contracting Bourbon Virus Infection. Also, people who reside in the area where there may be excessive exposure to ticks and do not take the necessary precautions are also at risk for developing Bourbon Virus Infection.

The symptoms of Bourbon Virus Infection are quite similar to that of other tick borne diseases and include fever, excessive fatigue, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and development of a maculopapular rash. They may also show symptoms of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Other than this, there are no specific symptoms that point towards a diagnosis of Bourbon Virus Infection.

As this infection is relatively new, there are no specific tests to diagnose Bourbon Virus Infection. Exhaustive tests will be carried out in individuals who present with the symptoms mentioned above and have a history of exposure to ticks in the recent past, which will confirm a diagnosis of a Tick Borne disease, including Bourbon Virus Infection.

As of now, there is no specific treatment designed for Bourbon Virus Infection because of the limited information available to researchers regarding this virus. Antibiotics are of little to no help since it is a viral infection. Antiviral medications have shown some success in treating the symptoms. Other than this, the treatment for Bourbon Virus Infection is directed towards minimizing the symptoms.

The patient may be given pain medications and antipyretics for pain and control and bringing down the fever. This may be done as an outpatient, but in cases where the symptoms are severe then the patient may be admitted and given the medications intravenously. Other than this, there is no particular treatment or cure for Bourbon Virus Infection.

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• 17 Common Tick Borne Diseases
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