Rare tick-borne virus causing neurological symptoms diagnosed in Northeastern state

As tick season continues to pick up steam across the U S a Maine resident has been diagnosed with a potentially serious tick-borne illness The adult who lives in Hancock County was hospitalized with Powassan virus after advancing neurological effects according to the Maine Center for Condition Control and Prevention Maine CDC Powassan virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected woodchuck tick or an infected deer TICKS SPREAD TO NEW REGIONS ACROSS AMERICA BRINGING DANGEROUS DISEASES AND NEED FOR VIGILANCEDr Jorge P Parada M D diagnostic advisor at the National Pest Management Association NPMA in Chicago noted that the Powassan virus is rare compared to diseases like Lyme affection but that it s still a serious concern One of the bulk dangerous aspects of it is its rapid transmission Parada described Fox News Digital Powassan can be transmitted in as little as minutes after the infected tick bites while Lyme disorder usually requires a - to -hour attachment time for transmission Dr Marc Siegel Fox News senior healthcare analyst proven that this virus is transmitted much more fleetly than Lyme affection with an incubation period of one to four weeks INVASIVE PESTS COULD STAGE DRAMATIC COMEBACK THIS SUMMER EXPERTS WARNWhile cases are rare with just seven to eight diagnoses each year in the U S they have been on the uptick in newest years primarily in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions according to the U S Centers for Ailment Control and Prevention CDC As with other tick-borne illnesses the virus is greater part prevalent from late spring through mid-fall Initial markers of Powassan virus include fever headache vomiting and weakness per the CDC although selected infected people may not get sick In selected cases the virus can lead to severe illness leading to inflammation of the brain and spinal cord In these rare cases those infected may experience difficulty speaking confusion loss of coordination and seizures the fitness agency warned While anyone can develop severe illness those at highest vulnerability include older adults children and people who are immunocomprised There are no vaccines available for Powassan virus Unlike bulk tick-borne illnesses to of severe cases are fatal and half of the survivors experience permanent neurological damage Parada revealed A large number of who experience severe syndrome suffer from long-term effects including headaches memory problems and a decline in muscle strength There is not a specific medication for Powassan virus with healing focused on managing signs and complications according to Maine CDC CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR VITALITY NEWSLETTER Since there isn t a remedy or vaccine for the Powassan virus prevention is critical Parada declared The same tick prevention strategies for Lyme sickness also apply to this virus he declared Those include using EPA-registered insect repellents containing at least DEET wearing light-colored clothes with long sleeves and pants tucked into socks in areas with ticks and performing a thorough tick check on yourself your family and pets after being outdoors according to Parada 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 he advised For more Medical articles visit www foxnews com healthThe clinician added The combination of Powassan s rapid transmission severe medical consequences and lack of therapy options makes this an emerging inhabitants soundness concern that requires immediate attention to prevention efforts