It's called borrelia miyamotoi and it may hold the answer to why some people suffer from Lyme disease symptoms, but never test positive.
The bacteria acts in the same way as Lyme, causing flu-like issues.
Scientists at Yale University found the bug. "We already have a compliment four or five other tick-borne pathogens that make you sick. Now we have another one," said lead researcher Richard Pollack.
He hopes this new diagnosis can do just that. “Now we have evidence. And there's a test for it. It's pretty significant," he noted.
Pollack said both conditions can be well controlled, as long as they are treated quickly.
Pollack reminded there are things everyone can do to prevent tick-related illnesses. "Dress appropriately, cover up, use a good anti-tick repellent,” he began.
“Check yourself every night, and if you find a tick, pull it off,” he concluded.
Doctors admit they don’t know how widespread the “new” disease is, but they are now on the lookout.