Heartland virus disease is caused by a virus spread to people by infected ticks, mainly the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum). Most cases have been reported in states in the eastern, southeastern and south-central United States. There is no vaccine to prevent it and no medicine to treat it, so avoiding tick bites is the best protection.
Symptoms
Symptoms begin anywhere from a few days to several weeks after a tick bite, and they often resemble those of other tickborne illnesses such as ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis. Most infected people have:
- fever and fatigue;
- decreased appetite;
- headache;
- nausea and diarrhea;
- muscle or joint pain.
Some also have low counts of white blood cells, which fight infection, and of platelets, which help stop bleeding, and liver function tests may show raised liver enzymes.
Diagnosis
If you think you or a family member might have Heartland virus disease, talk to a health care provider. Diagnosis is based on:
- signs and symptoms;
- living in or traveling to an area where the virus is known to circulate;
- possible exposure to the ticks that spread it;
- laboratory tests, which can also check for other infections with similar symptoms.
Treatment
No medicine treats Heartland virus, and antibiotics don't work against viruses. Rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain relievers may ease some symptoms. Some patients need hospital care for intravenous fluids and treatment of pain, fever or other problems.
Prevention
With no licensed vaccine or preventive medicine, the best way to avoid Heartland virus disease is to protect yourself from tick bites when outdoors.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "About Heartland Virus"; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
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