Tag

Powassan Virus

All articles tagged with #powassan virus

health3 months ago

Illinois Reports First Cases of Rare Tick-Borne Powassan Virus

An Illinois resident has been diagnosed with the rare Powassan virus, marking the first confirmed case in the state. Health officials are investigating the source and testing ticks in the area. The Illinois Department of Public Health urges residents to take precautions against tick bites, as the virus can cause severe illness and has no current vaccine or treatment. The risk remains low but precautions are advised, especially in wooded areas.

local5 months ago

Rare Powassan Virus Outbreak Raises Concerns on Martha’s Vineyard and Connecticut

A 1-month-old infant on Martha’s Vineyard contracted a rare but serious tick-borne Powassan virus, which can cause severe neurological diseases. The virus, transmitted by deer ticks, is increasingly detected in the area, with a small percentage of ticks infected. The infant suffered brain damage from meningitis and encephalitis caused by the virus, highlighting the rising risk of tick-borne illnesses during the season.

health5 months ago

Health Officials Investigate Powassan Virus Cases on Martha's Vineyard

Public health officials are investigating a potential case of Powassan virus on Martha's Vineyard, a rare but serious tick-borne disease with no specific treatment, which has seen a slight increase in cases nationally and in Massachusetts. Preventative measures include treating clothing with permethrin, wearing tick-smart clothing, and performing thorough tick checks.

health5 months ago

Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod Investigate Rare Tick-Borne Virus Cases

A rare case of Powassan virus has been diagnosed in a one-month-old infant on Martha's Vineyard, making her the youngest known patient to contract the virus. The virus was transmitted through a tick bite, leading to severe health issues including brain damage and seizures. The family is urging caution and tick prevention, as there is no cure or vaccine for Powassan, which can be transmitted within 15 minutes of a tick bite. The community has rallied to support the family financially and emotionally.

health5 months ago

Vineyard Health Officials Probe Powassan Virus Case

Vineyard health officials are investigating a rare case of Powassan virus, a potentially deadly tick-borne disease that can cause severe neurological issues, with only one previous case on the Island in the past 20 years. The virus is transmitted quickly by deer ticks, which are active from May to July, and there is no specific treatment. Preventative measures such as protective clothing and tick checks are strongly recommended, especially during peak tick activity.

health5 months ago

Maine Reports First Cases of Powassan Virus and West Nile Virus of the Year

A Maine resident has been hospitalized with the year's first human case of Powassan virus, a tick-borne disease, while the first wild bird case of West Nile virus has also been detected in the state. The CDC emphasizes prevention measures against tick and mosquito bites to reduce the risk of these and other tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis.

health5 months ago

Maine Reports First Cases of Tick-Borne and Mosquito-Related Viruses of the Year

A resident in Hancock County, Maine, has been hospitalized with the first recorded case of Powassan virus in the state this year, which is transmitted by ticks and can cause severe neurological symptoms. Additionally, a wild bird in York County tested positive for West Nile virus. Maine has seen a record number of tickborne diseases last year, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures against ticks and mosquitoes. For more information, visit the Maine CDC and related health resources.

health6 months ago

Wisconsin Reports Fatalities and Hospitalizations from Tick-Borne Powassan Virus

A rare tick-borne virus called Powassan has caused one death and hospitalized two in Wisconsin this year, with cases increasing nationwide. The virus is transmitted by black-legged ticks, which also carry Lyme disease, and symptoms can range from none to severe brain inflammation. Health officials emphasize the importance of protecting against tick bites, especially during peak activity months from April to September.

health1 year ago

"Massachusetts Leads U.S. in Life-Threatening Powassan Virus Cases in Ticks"

UMass Amherst researchers utilized real-time testing during a tick survey in parts of Massachusetts and detected the emerging Powassan virus, which can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, and weakness. The survey found that 4.03% of ticks tested positive for the virus, with pockets of high incidence in certain areas. The development of sensitive detection methods for diagnostics and surveillance is crucial in assessing the risk of exposure, and steps to protect against tick bites include checking for ticks and wearing protective clothing.

health1 year ago

"Rare Tick-Borne Powassan Virus Case Confirmed in Rhode Island"

The Rhode Island Department of Health has confirmed a case of the rare tick-borne Powassan virus in a man in his 70s from Kent County, who is now recovering at home. Powassan is primarily found in the Northeast and Great Lakes region and can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, and weakness, with the potential for severe complications. Health officials urge the public to take preventive measures against ticks as spring approaches and to seek medical attention if they suspect they have been exposed to the virus.