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Amidst the increasing tick season in the U.S., a Maine resident has been diagnosed with a serious tick-borne illness.
The individual, residing in Hancock County, was hospitalized with Powassan virus after displaying “neurological symptoms,” according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC).
Powassan virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected woodchuck tick or deer.
Dr. Jorge P. Parada, M.D., medical advisor at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) in Chicago, emphasized that while Powassan virus is rare compared to Lyme disease, it is still a significant concern.
“One of the most alarming aspects is its quick transmission,” stated Parada.
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. (iStock)
“Powassan can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes after the infected tick bites, while Lyme disease usually requires a 36- to 48-hour attachment time for transmission.”
Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, confirmed that this virus is transmitted much more quickly than Lyme disease, with an incubation period of one to four weeks.
Although cases are rare, with only seven to eight diagnoses annually in the U.S., they have been increasing in recent years, mainly in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Similar to other tick-borne illnesses, the virus is most prevalent from late spring through mid-fall.
“Unlike most tick-borne illnesses, 10% to 15% of severe cases are fatal.”
Initial symptoms of Powassan virus include fever, headache, vomiting, and weakness, as per the CDC. However, some infected individuals may be asymptomatic.
In severe cases, the virus can lead to inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, resulting in symptoms such as difficulty speaking, confusion, loss of coordination, and seizures.
Individuals at highest risk for severe disease include older adults, children, and those with weakened immune systems.
There are currently no vaccines available for Powassan virus.
“Unlike most tick-borne illnesses, 10% to 15% of severe cases are fatal, and half of the survivors experience permanent neurological damage,” Parada stated.
Powassan virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected woodchuck tick or deer. (iStock)
Many individuals with severe disease suffer from long-term symptoms, including headaches, memory issues, and muscle weakness decline.
There is no specific medication for Powassan virus, with treatment focused on symptom management and complications, according to Maine CDC.
Prevention is crucial due to the lack of treatment or vaccine for Powassan virus,” Parada emphasized.
Similar tick prevention strategies for Lyme disease apply to this virus, including using EPA-registered insect repellents containing at least 20% DEET, wearing light-colored clothes with long sleeves, and tucking pants into socks outdoors.
To prevent tick bites, experts recommend using EPA-registered insect repellents containing at least 20% DEET, wearing light-colored clothes with long sleeves, and tucking pants into socks when outdoors. (iStock)
Other recommendations include keeping grass short, using gravel or wood chips as a ‘tick moat’ to create a barrier on your property to deter tick migration.
The rapid transmission, severe health implications, and limited treatment options make Powassan virus an emerging public health concern that necessitates immediate focus on prevention efforts,” the doctor added.
