Heartland and Bourbon Virus Diseases
Agent
Heartland virus
Where Found
As of 2017, more than 30 cases of Heartland virus disease have been reported from states in the Midwest and the South.
Incubation Period
Specific ranges are unknown; most patients report a tick bite in the 2 weeks prior to illness.
Signs and Symptoms
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Arthralgia
- Myalgia
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
General Laboratory Findings
- Leukopenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Mild to moderate elevation of liver transaminases
As of 2017, a limited number of Bourbon virus disease cases have been identified in the Midwest and southern United States. Some people who have been infected later died. Scientists continue to investigate possible symptoms caused by this new virus. Symptoms of people diagnosed with Bourbon virus disease included fever, tiredness, rash, headache, body aches, nausea, and vomiting. General laboratory findings included leukopenia and thrombocytopenia.
Laboratory Diagnosis
There is no routine testing available for Heartland virus infections. However, protocols are in place to allow people to be tested for evidence of Heartland virus RNA and IgM and IgG antibodies. Contact your state health department if you have a patient with an acute illness that may be compatible with Heartland virus disease.
Treatment
Treatment of Heartland virus disease is supportive. Many patients diagnosed with the disease have required hospitalization. With supportive care, most people have fully recovered; however, a few older individuals with medical comorbidities have died.
References
McMullan LK, Folk SM, Kelly AJ, et al. A new phlebovirus associated with severe febrile illness in Missouri. N Eng J Med 2012;367:834-41.
Muehlenbachs A, Fata CR, Lambert AJ, et al. Heartland virus associated death in Tennessee. Clin Infect Dis 2014;59(6):845-850.
Pastula DM, Turabelidze G, Yates KF, et al. Heartland virus disease—United States, 2012–2013. MMWR 2014;63:270-71.
Godsey MS, Savage HM, Burkhalter KL, et al. Transmission of Heartland virus (Bunyaviridae: Plebovirus) by experimentally infected Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae). J Med Entomol 2016;53(5):1226-1233.
Savage HM, Godsey MS, Panella NA, et al. Surveillance for Heartland virus (Bunyaviridae: Phlebovirus) in Missouri during 2014: First detection of virus in adults of Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ioxodidae). J Med Entomol 2016;53(3):607-612.