LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska health officials are reporting detections of two rare tickborne viruses in the state, though no human cases have been reported among Nebraska residents.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says Heartland virus and Bourbon virus have been detected through the state's ongoing tick surveillance program.
DHHS began testing collected ticks for the two viruses in 2024. During the 2025 surveillance season, one pool of ticks collected in Richardson County tested positive for Heartland virus.
In the 2026 surveillance season, one Heartland virus-positive tick pool and one Bourbon virus-positive pool were detected from collections in Sarpy County.
Both viruses are rare and can cause illness in people. They have been detected primarily in the central and eastern United States and are spread through the bite of an infected Lone Star tick.
Human infections are uncommon, but infections can cause fever and other symptoms and, in some cases, lead to severe illness.
DHHS is encouraging Nebraska residents to take precautions when spending time outdoors in areas where ticks may be present.
Those precautions include using an EPA-registered insect repellent containing ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or 2-undecanone. Residents are also encouraged to wear long pants and sleeves when possible and consider treating clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
Avoiding tall grass, brush and leaf litter can also reduce exposure to ticks. Hikers should stay in the center of trails when possible.
After spending time outdoors, health officials recommend checking yourself, children and pets for ticks, along with checking clothing. Showering soon after coming indoors and promptly removing attached ticks with fine-tipped tweezers can also help reduce the risk of tickborne illness.
Ticks can be active throughout much of the year in Nebraska, although activity is generally highest during the spring and summer months.
The state's active tick surveillance program is conducted by the DHHS Vector-Borne Disease Program in partnership with Nebraska Game and Parks and local health departments. Ticks are collected throughout Nebraska during the spring and summer and are processed for species identification and testing for selected pathogens.
DHHS says the surveillance program helps officials better understand the risk of tickborne diseases in Nebraska and guides prevention, education and response efforts.
Residents who develop symptoms after a tick bite or after spending time in areas where ticks are present should contact their health care provider.
Tick surveillance and testing results are available through the state's Tick Surveillance Dashboard. More information on tickborne diseases is available through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.