Tick-borne Disease in Missouri

Two farmers from northwestern Missouri have suffered from an illness that is believed to have been started by a tick bite. Scientists have discovered a new virus that has yet to have been discovered. They say that it is unique that it was discovered in this part of the world, because it is the first phlebovirus to affect humans in the Western Hemisphere. They are unaware of how widespread the actual virus is, or how many people in Missouri have had the illness. The virus is a new species and is totally new to the knowledge of the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. The new virus is suspected to be a part of the Severe Fever Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus. This is found in northeastern parts of China and known to cause death in 30% of patients. There are more than seventy viruses in the phlebovirus family. The way they are grouped is how they are carried. Scientists are still unsure how the virus in Missouri is carried, but they suspect ticks. This virus is very similar to the other phleboviruses carried by ticks and mosquitoes. They are casting a wide set net so they can figure out where this virus is located and how it's being transmitted. They are also going to be doing laboratory studies to learn more about the biology of the virus and how it might be transmitted throughout the state. Both of the farmers were in the hospital for several weeks to recover, and another two weeks till they were fully recovered. One of the men was a healthy, 587 year old man; the other was a 65 year old man with type two diabetes and they both were affected the same way. Tick-borne diseases are on the rise in the United States, so people need to be sure to check themselves after being outside, or in a shed. Just to be safe.