A dangerous virus transmitted by ticks. Another patient died in the hospital

Powassan virus is a rare but extremely dangerous virus transmitted by ticks. In the United States, the number of infected people increases year by year. One of the last patients died in the hospital.

1. Currently, there are approximately 25 cases of Powassan infection per year in the United States
2. Many people who are infected with the Powassan virus do not have any symptoms. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, and weakness. Over time, the virus can lead to for meningitis
3. The best way to avoid the disease is to prevent tick bites and to carefully observe the body
4. More information can be found on the TvoiLokony home page  

The Powassan virus was first detected in 1958 in the Canadian town of Powassan, Ontario — this is where the virus got its name from. Powassan is found in North America near the Great Lakes and in the Far East. Virus infections are most frequently reported from late spring to mid-autumn. This virus circulates between ticks and small and medium-sized mammals or deer and is then transmitted to humans through a tick bite.

Read: New tick-borne disease. In the US, the Heartland virus has already killed several people

Powassan virus – causes and symptoms of infection

Powassan virus is spread by the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, there are three types of ticks found mainly in the eastern part of the country:

1. black leg tick or deer tick (Ixodes scapularis)
2. squirrel tick (Ixodes marxi)
3. amphibian tick (Ixodes cookei)

Many people who are infected with the Powassan virus do not have any symptoms. For those who develop symptoms, the time from a tick bite to the onset of the disease is one week to a month. The initial symptoms of infection are fever, headache, vomiting and weakness. Over time, however, the virus can infect the brain (encephalitis) or the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Symptoms of these potentially serious conditions can include confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking and seizures.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 10 percent. people with severe disease die from the infection. In contrast, about half of those who survive the severe disease experience long-term health problems, such as recurring headaches, loss of muscle mass and strength, and memory problems.

Also read: Ticks choose unusual places on the body. Most people don’t check them

Powassan virus – treatment method

There is no one specific treatment for infection. According to the CDC, people with severe disease usually have to be hospitalized. Patients’ breathing and hydration are then supported. In some cases, anti-inflammatory drugs are also given to reduce swelling in the brain.

The best way to prevent Powassan infection is to avoid being bitten by ticks and to carefully observe your body after visiting tick sites. Professionals recommend avoidance wooded areas and tall grass, moving in the middle of the trails whenever possible, and using deterrents.

See: They resemble moles. Few people know how dangerous tick nymphs are

The season of tick activity has started in earnest. Be ready and don’t be surprised by insects. Stock up on MUGGA 50% DEET Spray for ticks, mosquitoes and black flies and the Tick Removal Kit

Powassan virus – an increase in the number of cases

According to Live Science on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) announced that a Waldo County resident in south-central Maine had died of Powassan infection. The patient who developed neurological symptoms died while in hospital – stated in the statement.

By 2015, there were only about 10 Powassan cases per year in Maine. However, according to the “Live Science” portal, the number of infections with this rare virus has increased significantly, according to the CDC data. Currently, there are already about 25 cases per year. As of 2010, a total of 14 cases have been reported in Maine.

The increase in Powassan infections in the United States in recent years is likely due to the spread of deer ticks (also known as black legs) — translates “Live Science”. The factors responsible for the sudden increase in this phenomenon are indicated by the portal primarily as an increase in temperature and humidity, and an increase in the population of deer and mice.

Also read:

1. Wren roe deer – appearance, bite symptoms, ways of deterring. Do flying ticks transmit disease?
2. What diseases can ticks transmit? What can a tick bite end?
3. Rabies – one of the most dangerous diseases. It kills almost 100 percent. How to protect yourself?