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 progressing neurological markers according to the Maine Center for Syndrome 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 biological advisor at the National Pest Management Association NPMA in Chicago noted that the Powassan virus is rare compared to diseases like Lyme ailment but that it s still a serious concern One of the preponderance dangerous aspects of it is its rapid transmission Parada advised Fox News Digital Powassan can be transmitted in as little as minutes after the infected tick bites while Lyme malady usually requires a - to -hour attachment time for transmission Dr Marc Siegel Fox News senior curative analyst authenticated that this virus is transmitted much more swiftly than Lyme syndrome 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 latest years primarily in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions according to the U S Centers for Illness Control and Prevention CDC As with other tick-borne illnesses the virus is the majority prevalent from late spring through mid-fall Initial manifestations of Powassan virus include fever headache vomiting and weakness per the CDC although particular infected people may not get sick In chosen 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 condition those at highest menace 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 stated A large number of who experience severe affection 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 rehabilitation focused on managing responses and complications according to Maine CDC CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR VITALITY NEWSLETTER Since there isn t a healing or vaccine for the Powassan virus prevention is critical Parada mentioned The same tick prevention strategies for Lyme affection also apply to this virus he disclosed 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 Healthcare articles visit www foxnews com healthThe specialist added The combination of Powassan s rapid transmission severe vitality consequences and lack of recovery options makes this an emerging society soundness concern that requires immediate attention to prevention efforts