Researchers discover new tick-borne infection

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Yale researchers have discovered a new tick-borne infection.

Blood tests confirm 18 patients in southern New England and New York with the newest infection, being so new that there's not yet a name for it.

"The name of the bacteria is Borrelia Miyamotoi and is a distant relative of the Lyme bacteria and are both transmitted by the same deer tick," said Dr. Peter Krause.  

Dr. Krause led a team of researchers at Yale Schools of Public Health and Medicine, who discovered it.
 
Symptoms are similar to Lyme disease, but there are differences.

"With this new agent what we see is about 90 percent have the viral like illness with the fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache and 10 to 15 percent have a red rash somewhat similar to the Lyme rash only generally smaller," Dr. Krause said.
  
Dr. Krause says people should not panic with this latest revelation. 

"So far it looks to be a mild to moderate illness," said Dr. Krause.

There's already evidence it is in ticks in the Northeast, Northern Midwest and in the far West," Dr. Krause said. "I think this will be a little more of a challenge because few of the patients have that tell tale rash."

A clearer diagnosis can be made by weighing in factors such as a recent tick bite with a fever in late Spring, Summer and early Fall.  
  
Expect more studies to develop better diagnostic tools and treatment. 

"I think there has been this infection that has been out there for awhile," said Dr. Krause. "I think it has just not been diagnosed." 

Dr. Krause says using the same treatment as Lyme disease cleared up the symptoms and infection. It can lead to relapsing fever in some people if left untreated.
 
Of course key to all this is avoiding the deer tick. So be vigilant when you're outdoors, such as staying away from tick infested areas and using tick repellant.
 
You can read more about the newest tick-borne infection in the latest issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.