Tag

Tick Borne Disease

All articles tagged with #tick borne disease

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.

health7 months ago

Rare Tick-Borne Disease Spreads to Virginia

A rare tick-borne disease called babesiosis, caused by a parasite similar to malaria, is increasingly spreading into Virginia, with cases rising over the past decade, especially along the Eastern Shore. The disease, transmitted by deer ticks, can cause flu-like symptoms and severe complications in vulnerable populations. Public health officials advise preventive measures against tick bites and proper tick removal to reduce infection risk.

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.

health2 years ago

"Rising Concerns: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Outbreak Claims Lives and Sparks CDC Alert"

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), a potentially deadly tick-borne disease, after five people who had traveled to or lived in Baja California, Mexico, became infected. Three of the patients have died. RMSF is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii and can lead to serious complications if left untreated. The CDC advises healthcare providers to consider RMSF as a potential diagnosis in patients who have recently traveled to northern Mexico and developed an unexplained fever. Prompt treatment with the antibiotic doxycycline is crucial in saving lives.

health2 years ago

CDC Links Deadly Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Outbreak in California to Mexico

An outbreak of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in southern California has resulted in three deaths, with all five reported cases involving individuals who had recently traveled to or lived in Tecate, Mexico. The disease, transmitted by infected ticks, is endemic in several northern Mexican states bordering the U.S. The CDC has urged healthcare providers to consider RMSF when evaluating patients with fever who have recently been in northern Mexico. Symptoms include headache, fever, rash, abdominal pain, and muscle aches. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is crucial, as the disease can be fatal if not treated early. The CDC recommends taking preventive measures such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and checking for ticks after outdoor activities.

health2 years ago

CDC Issues Alert on Deadly Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Outbreak

The CDC has issued an alert regarding an outbreak of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), a severe and potentially deadly disease transmitted through infected ticks. Three people have died and five have been hospitalized since July, with all cases linked to travel to the Mexican city of Tecate. RMSF is endemic in northern Mexico and parts of the southwestern US, and healthcare providers are advised to consider it when diagnosing patients with unexplained febrile illness who have traveled to these areas. Symptoms include fever, headache, rash, and organ damage, and prompt treatment with antibiotics is crucial to prevent complications or death. The CDC recommends seeking medical attention for symptoms after traveling to affected areas, protecting against tick bites, performing tick checks, and learning about RMSF symptoms.

health2 years ago

CDC Reports Deadly Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Outbreak in California

The CDC has reported three deaths and five cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) in Southern California since July. The disease, caused by bites from infected ticks, is native to northern Mexico and parts of the Southwestern US. Symptoms can initially be mild but can progress rapidly, leading to severe complications and even death. Prompt treatment with the antibiotic Doxycycline is recommended.

health2 years ago

CDC Issues Health Alert for Deadly Tick-Borne Disease Outbreak in California and Mexico

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health alert regarding an outbreak of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), a rare but deadly tick-borne disease. Five patients in Southern California, three of whom died, were hospitalized after traveling to or living in a Mexican border city. RMSF is transmitted by infected ticks primarily found on dogs and has reached epidemic levels in northern Mexico. The CDC is urging clinicians near the U.S.-Mexico border to be aware of the disease, especially during the holiday season when travel between the regions is common. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial as the disease can be fatal if left untreated.

health2 years ago

"Understanding Powassan Virus: Tick-Borne Disease Symptoms and Treatments"

Four people in Connecticut have tested positive for Powassan virus, a rare tick-borne disease that can cause severe illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. Powassan virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick and can be diagnosed based on symptoms and laboratory testing. There is currently no specific treatment for Powassan virus, but symptoms can be managed with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain medications. Prevention measures include using mosquito and tick repellents, checking for ticks after being outdoors, and treating clothing and gear with tick repellents.

health2 years ago

Fatal Tick-Borne Disease Claims Life of Fukuoka Pref. Woman

An elderly woman in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, died from severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), an infectious disease transmitted by ixodid ticks. The woman, in her 80s, was bitten by a tick while doing farm work and experienced symptoms including fever and diarrhea. Despite being hospitalized, she passed away on August 13. The public health center advises people to wear protective clothing in grassy areas to minimize the risk of tick bites.

health2 years ago

Fatal Consequences: Tick-Borne Disease Claims Rhode Island Woman's Life

A Rhode Island woman in her 80s has died after contracting the rare tick-borne Powassan virus disease. The virus was detected in a Washington County resident, and laboratory testing confirmed the finding. Powassan virus is mainly found in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions of the U.S., and while cases are rare, the reported number has been increasing in recent years. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, and weakness, which can progress to meningoencephalitis. There is no vaccine or treatment for the disease, so prevention through avoiding tick exposure is crucial.