[4] The DTV lineage is presumed to be maintained between Ixodes scapularis, or deer ticks, and the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus).

[5] DTV has a strong prevalence in the northeastern and north central part of the United States, although little to no human infections have been reported.

[6] A fatal case of DTV encephalitis occurred at a New York hospital when a 62-year-old man with a meningoencephalitis syndrome, fever, weaknesses in the right arm and leg, and maculopapular rash died from the virus.

[1] In 2017, another fatal case of DTV was documented when a 72-year-old woman was admitted to a hospital in Maine with a fever, low blood pressure, and urination problems.

She later developed muscle aches, chills, and a rash that is often seen in the early stages of Lyme disease in the same area the tick was removed from.