by Esther Animalu, contributing reporter
A contagious disease, known as the Bourbon virus, has recently been uncovered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This has triggered shockwaves of health related concerns across the nation. The deadly virus has been ruled as the cause of death, regarding a Kansas man who fell abnormally ill after receiving multiple tick bites, while working outdoors in the late spring of 2014.
Due to the fact that there has been only one known case identified thus far, the CDC is still working with scientists to inquire and unravel the possible symptoms that are associated and provoked by the Bourbon virus. Therefore, the actions of the virus are unpredictable and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
“Anytime there’s a chance of a possible virus outbreak, like Ebola for example, I’m always willing to take proper safety measures in order to protect my health,” freshman Alif Rahi said.
However, in the case of the Kansas man, he was the only person diagnosed with the Bourbon virus disease. The symptoms that he experienced were fever, tiredness, rash, headache, other body aches, nausea, and vomiting. He was immediately admitted into a local hospital to prevent the spread of the unusual disease. In addition, he also also had low blood counts for cells that fight off infections and help avert bleeding.
“There are numerous diseases around us that are still under study. For instance, Hanta virus was found in mouse urine, however it still killed various people. As diseases, like the Bourbon virus, begin to undergo thorough examination it’s important that people take the right safety precautions,” chemistry teacher Dr. Baribault said.
According to the CDC it stated that, “We do not yet fully know how people become infected with Bourbon virus. However, based on what we know about similar viruses, it is likely that Bourbon virus is spread through tick or other insect bites. Bourbon virus belongs to a group of viruses called thogotoviruses. Viruses in this group are found all over the world.”
“It’s always important to wash your hands often, and get mandated vaccines in order to prevent the spread of deadly viruses,” eighth grader Gregory Gravador said.
The CDC recommends that in order to sustain and ensure the safety of one’s health they should take precaution and use insect repellents to protect themselves from tick bites. Additionally, while outdoors in warm and humid weather people should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, avoiding bushy and wooded areas and examine themselves for ticks periodically.
Newly discovered viruses, like the Bourbon virus, are constantly undergoing hefty analyzations and researching. While the disease is contained for now, scientists are still researching. People should take extra caution, especially when adolescents are more often than not an easy target for these developing viruses.
