Home / Health / New Lyme Bacteria Strain Found in New York
New Lyme Bacteria Strain Found in New York
4 Jun
Summary
- A rare Lyme disease-causing bacteria, Borrelia mayonii, was found in upstate New York.
- This bacteria was previously only detected in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
- This finding highlights changing geographical patterns of tick-borne diseases.
A novel strain of Lyme disease-causing bacteria, Borrelia mayonii, has been confirmed in upstate New York, representing its first detection outside of Minnesota and Wisconsin. This discovery occurred in Herkimer County, where an adult resident contracted the illness last July. While Borrelia burgdorferi is the predominant cause of Lyme disease in the U.S., B. mayonii presents distinct symptoms and was only identified in 2016.
Symptoms associated with B. mayonii can include fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting, sometimes accompanied by a more widespread rash rather than the typical bullseye. Neurological symptoms may also be more pronounced. The presence of B. mayonii in New York is unexpected, though experts suggest that tick-borne diseases can change geographically over time. Efforts are underway to understand how the bacteria arrived and its prevalence in the region.
Lyme disease cases have seen a significant increase across the Northeast, with New York reporting a nearly 450% rise between 2020 and 2024. While B. mayonii infections are expected to remain rare, this finding prompts a closer look at tick populations and disease transmission. Preventive measures such as wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and conducting thorough tick checks are crucial for outdoor enthusiasts.
