Rare Tick Virus Sparks Concern in Northeast

Clear Facts

• A Maine adult was hospitalized with Powassan virus, a rare tick-borne illness, after developing neurological symptoms.
• Powassan virus can be transmitted to humans in as little as 15 minutes by an infected tick, far faster than Lyme disease.
• There is no vaccine or specific treatment for Powassan virus; prevention is vital and cases are rising in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions.

Tick season is intensifying across America, and a resident of Hancock County, Maine, has been diagnosed with the Powassan virus, leading to their hospitalization with neurological issues.

The disease, although rare, can be very serious and is contracted from the bite of an infected woodchuck tick or, less commonly, from an infected deer.

“It’s still a serious concern,” said Dr. Jorge P. Parada, medical advisor at the National Pest Management Association.

Dr. Parada explained, “One of the most dangerous aspects of it is its rapid transmission.”

Powassan virus can transmit to humans in just 15 minutes after a tick bite, while Lyme disease requires a much longer attachment to spread.

Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst, confirmed that this virus is transmitted much faster than Lyme, with an incubation of one to four weeks.

Cases of Powassan virus remain uncommon, with only seven to eight diagnosed each year nationally, but numbers have risen lately in the Northeast and Great Lakes area.

Like many tick-borne illnesses, Powassan is most commonly found from late spring through mid-fall, aligning with times of heightened outdoor activity.

Dr. Parada warned, “Unlike most tick-borne illnesses, 10% to 15% of severe cases are fatal, and half of the survivors experience permanent neurological damage.”

Initial symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, and weakness, but not everyone infected will feel sick.

Severe cases can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, leading to difficulty speaking, confusion, coordination problems, and seizures.

Those at higher risk include older adults, children, and people with weakened immune systems.

No vaccine is available to protect against Powassan virus at this time, making prevention a top priority.

Many who suffer severe illness endure long-term symptoms such as memory loss, headaches, and muscle weakness.

Treatment is limited, focusing only on managing symptoms, so avoiding tick bites is critical.

“Since there isn’t a treatment or vaccine for the Powassan virus, prevention is critical,” Dr. Parada emphasized.

Recommended prevention strategies include using EPA-registered insect repellents with at least 20% DEET, wearing light-colored long-sleeved clothing, tucking pants into socks, and thoroughly checking for ticks after outdoor activities.

Dr. Parada added, “We also recommend making your yard less attractive to ticks by keeping grass short, and using gravel or wood chips to create a ‘tick moat’ between the edge of your property to discourage migration.”

Dr. Parada concluded, “The combination of Powassan’s rapid transmission, severe health consequences and lack of treatment options makes this an emerging public health concern that requires immediate attention to prevention efforts.”

Stay informed, take precautions outdoors, and help protect your family from tick-borne threats this season.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Read more on Fox News