Rare type of Lyme disease found for the first time in New York

Key Points:

• A rare species of Lyme disease-causing bacteria, Borrelia mayonii, was detected for the first time in New York state in July 2023, specifically in Herkimer County, marking its spread beyond the upper Midwest where it was previously found.
• Borrelia mayonii infections differ from the more common Borrelia burgdorferi by causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and more neurological effects, often lacking the classic bullseye rash typical of Lyme disease.
• Despite the detection, B. mayonii remains rare in New York ticks, found in only 0.2% of young ticks and about 1% of adult ticks, whereas B. burgdorferi infects a much higher proportion of ticks in the region.
• Lyme disease cases in New York have surged nearly 450% from 2020 to 2024, driven by climate change expanding the habitat favorable to ticks, although B. burgdorferi continues to be the predominant cause of infections.
• Health experts recommend preventive measures such as staying on trails, wearing protective clothing, using insect repellents, and performing regular tick checks to reduce the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.