ST LOUIS, Missouri- The Iowa Department of Public Health recently announced the first-ever recorded case of the Heartland virus in Iowa, in a man in Appanoose County. The tick-borne illness was discovered for the first time in North America in northwest Missouri.
Missouri State Epidemiologist Dr. George Turabelidze says two farmers were diagnosed with the virus in 2009, and it was a mystery until a researcher spotted an article in a medical journal about a similar case in China.
It's believed the virus is carried by the Lone Star tick, and symptoms can range from none to severe.
Dr. Turabelidze says common symptoms include fever, fatigue, aches, and diarrhea. He says most people recover. He also notes in a study of blood donations in Missouri, nearly one percent of donors had anti-bodies for the virus, but did not ever report being ill, suggesting people can become infected by not have symptoms.
Dr. Turabelidze says they also believe illnesses are generally in pockets, and not considered widespread.
For more information about the Heartland virus click HERE.