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

June 4, 2026 - 22:39

Health officials in New York have confirmed the first known case of a rare and potentially more severe form of Lyme disease in the state. The infection was caused by a strain of Borrelia bacteria that has previously only been found in the upper Midwest, according to state health authorities.

The patient, whose identity has not been released, is believed to have contracted the illness locally. The specific strain, Borrelia mayonii, was first identified in the United States in 2013 in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Unlike the more common Borrelia burgdorferi, this strain can cause a higher number of bacteria in the blood, leading to more pronounced symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and a distinctive rash that may appear as a diffuse blotch rather than the classic bull's-eye pattern.

Doctors are being advised to consider this strain when diagnosing patients with unusual symptoms, especially if they have not responded to standard Lyme treatments. The discovery raises concerns about the spread of tick-borne diseases into new regions, likely driven by changes in climate and wildlife migration. While the risk to the general public remains low, officials are urging residents to take precautions, including using insect repellent and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors.