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Rare Lyme Bacteria Found Miles From Home
19 Jun
Summary
- A rare pathogen causing Lyme disease has been found in New York.
- This rare bacteria, Borrelia mayonii, was previously only in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
- The detection occurred in Herkimer County, marking its first appearance in New York.
A rare pathogen responsible for Lyme disease has been identified in New York, marking a significant expansion from its previously known locations. This specific bacterium, Borrelia mayonii, was first discovered in Minnesota and had historically been detected only in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
The recent discovery in Herkimer County, New York, signifies the first documented presence of B. mayonii in this state. Ticks collected from a resident's property tested positive for the bacteria, with a small percentage of both nymph and adult ticks yielding positive results.
While the overall percentage of infected ticks found was low, this detection underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring for tick-borne diseases. The blacklegged tick, which transmits Lyme disease, is found across more than half of the U.S. and can spread other illnesses such as anaplasmosis and Powassan virus.
