An Allegheny County little one is Pennsylvania’s first reported case of Powassan virus this yr.
Powassan virus illness is unfold to folks through a chew from an contaminated blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis). That’s the identical tick that may transmit Lyme disease.
The kid skilled fever and different signs, resulting in hospitalization, and is now recovering at residence.
County and state well being officers are collaborating on an enhanced tick surveillance plan for the realm the place the case was recognized. The Powassan virus was present in a small proportion of grownup ticks from northern Allegheny County in 2021 and 2023.
In keeping with the CDC, many individuals contaminated with Powassan virus illness don’t expertise signs. Those that do might expertise fever, headache, vomiting, and weak point.
Some people expertise extreme sickness, which could be deadly. Others who expertise extreme sickness might develop long-term well being issues. There is no such thing as a vaccine to stop an infection and no drugs to deal with the illness.
