Newswise (Tufts College) 10.27.2023, printed “Powassan Virus: What to Find out about this Uncommon Tick-Borne Illness.” This text discusses the rising instances of Powassan virus, a tick-borne an infection with no vaccine or remedy, which kills 1 in 10 individuals who contract it and causes long-term neurological issues in half of reported instances.
Whereas traditionally affecting solely about one particular person a yr within the U.S., latest instances are rising, particularly in New England and the Nice Lakes area. The virus was initially present in deer ticks, infamous for spreading Lyme disease, and researchers on the time believed it didn’t result in Powassan in people. It seems that they had been improper. An aged lady died from the deer-tick-carried subtype of Powassan virus in 2008. In 2022, 44 instances had been reported and as of this yr there have been 29 reported instances.
Signs embody fever, vomiting, and neurological points. Powassan is totally different from different tick-borne ailments, because it lives within the tick’s salivary glands, requiring shorter attachment instances for transmission. There isn’t any vaccine or particular therapy for Powassan, and analysis entails blood or spinal fluid exams. The article emphasizes the rarity of encountering a tick carrying Powassan, however warns dad and mom and canine house owners about potential publicity and the significance of preventative measures.
For extra data:
Read the full article on the Newswire website here.
Read additional articles on Powassan virus and Lyme on LDA’s website here.
Read additional articles on Deer ticks and Lyme on LDA’s website here.
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