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 growing neurological effects according to the Maine Center for Complaint 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 malady but that it s still a serious concern One of the the majority 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 infection usually requires a - to -hour attachment time for transmission Dr Marc Siegel Fox News senior medicinal analyst certified that this virus is transmitted much more rapidly than Lyme complaint 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 modern 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 bulk prevalent from late spring through mid-fall Initial effects of Powassan virus include fever headache vomiting and weakness per the CDC although chosen infected people may not get sick In particular 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 physical condition agency warned While anyone can develop severe ailment those at highest exposure include older adults children and people who are immunocomprised There are no vaccines available for Powassan virus Unlike preponderance tick-borne illnesses to of severe cases are fatal and half of the survivors experience permanent neurological damage Parada disclosed A large number of who experience severe sickness suffer from long-term reactions including headaches memory problems and a decline in muscle strength There is not a specific medication for Powassan virus with restoration focused on managing features and complications according to Maine CDC CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR WELLNESS NEWSLETTER Since there isn t a healing or vaccine for the Powassan virus prevention is critical Parada revealed The same tick prevention strategies for Lyme affection also apply to this virus he commented 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 Wellbeing articles visit www foxnews com healthThe professional added The combination of Powassan s rapid transmission severe wellness consequences and lack of cure options makes this an emerging general healthcare concern that requires immediate attention to prevention efforts