The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed a Missouri woman died from what is known as the Bourbon Virus. The woman became ill after discovering two ticks on her body.
It marked the fifth case reported since virus was identified in 2014, according to the CDC.
Tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever are caused by bacteria, and can be treated with antibiotics. There is no cure for the Bourbon, or the emerging Heartland, viruses, according to the CDC. Diagnostic tests currently are being developed.
Prevention is the safest method of protection, according to the CDC, which recommends using repellents, checking for ticks, and showering after being outdoors. Medical attention is encouraged whenever a fever or rash follows a tick bite.
Before venturing outside, the CDC suggests identifying places ticks may be, for instance grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, or even on animals. The CDC recommends treating clothing and gear with products that contain permethrin, which can remain protective through several washings and using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or 2-undecanone.
The CDC cautions against using insect repellent on babies younger than two months old, and against using products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children under three years old.
If a tick attached, a plain set of fine-tipped tweezers can be used to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible, according to the CDC.
Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers. If unable to remove the mouth easily with clean tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal.
After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.
Dispose of a live tick by submersing it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet. Never crush a tick with your fingers, according to the CDC.
Some medical professionals suggest placing removed ticks on index cards or other note paper, and covering the tick with tape. Write down the date and where the tick was found on the body. The information may help doctors identify the tick and the number of days since exposure in case of an illness.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov. Outdoor workers can find additional information at the NIOSH Tick-borne Diseases Safety and Health Topic.
