Tick Talk: Powassan, Heartland, and Bourbon Viruses

Abstract

The recent emergence of additional novel tick-borne viruses with the potential to cause severe disease is alarming. An awareness of the nature of these viruses, their transmitting vectors and geographical distribution, and the clinical presentations of associated infections is essential when considering these pathogens in the differential diagnoses. Currently, limited surveillance and inadequate diagnostic approaches limit a complete understanding of the spread of emerging tick-borne viruses. This article focuses on three emerging tick-borne viruses; Powassan, Heartland, and Bourbon.