Rare Lyme disease strain detected in New York for the first time

A rare form of Lyme disease caused by Borrelia mayonii was found in upstate New York last summer. The discovery marks the first confirmed case in the state, raising concerns about the spread of tick-borne illnesses. Health officials have since investigated further but found no additional infections in the region.

The infected individual had not travelled recently, suggesting the bacterium was picked up locally. Tests later confirmed that ticks on their wooded property carried the same pathogen. The case emerged in Herkimer County in July 2023. Unlike the more common Borrelia burgdorferi, this strain often leads to a broader rash, worse neurological symptoms, and higher rates of nausea and vomiting. The New York State Health Department responded by testing over 1,500 ticks from 24 counties but detected no further cases of Borrelia mayonii.

Lyme disease cases in New York have surged by nearly 450% between 2020 and 2024. Experts link this rise partly to climate change, which is expanding the range of ticks and the diseases they carry. Ticks must remain attached for 24 to 48 hours before transmitting bacteria, making tiny nymphs—hard to spot—the most frequent spreaders.

To lower the risk, officials advise staying on cleared paths, wearing long sleeves, applying insect repellent, and checking for ticks after outdoor activities. Ticks can carry multiple diseases beyond Lyme, so vigilance remains key for anyone spending time in wooded or grassy areas. The single confirmed case of Borrelia mayonii in New York has not led to wider transmission so far. However, the sharp increase in Lyme disease highlights the growing threat of tick-borne illnesses. Preventative measures and regular tick checks are now more important than ever for residents and visitors in affected regions.