Heartland and Bourbon Virus

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Bourbon and Heartland viruses are rare systemic emerging tick-borne infections recently identified in the Midwest and Southern US.

Clinical Presentation

• Heartland virus disease: Fever, malaise, headache, diarrhea, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.⁴⁶

• Bourbon fever: Fever, malaise, headache, nausea, vomiting, and maculopapular rash. Bone marrow suppression and acute respiratory distress syndrome reflect severe disease.⁴⁷

DIAGNOSIS

Protocols exist facilitating testing through state health departments and the CDC.

TREATMENT

No specific treatments for Bourbon or Heartland virus infection exist. Treatment is supportive.