Cases of the potentially deadly Powassan virus are on the rise in Maine, and doctors are concerned.
BRUNSWICK, Maine — First fatal case Powassan virus The new coronavirus outbreak in Maine this year has raised concerns among health experts.
In June, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention An 81-year-old Sanford man has reportedly died from a tick-borne disease that can cause encephalitis in humans.
Two additional cases, both of which have since recovered, have been confirmed this year in Kennebec and Lincoln counties, and seven cases were confirmed last year, including one that killed a Topsham man.
This worrying trend is likely to continue as tick exposure becomes a year-round problem.
The man’s wife, AnnMarie Weymouth, continues to speak out.
“By sharing my experience, I want them to know that Lyme disease isn’t the only thing out there,” Ann Marie said seriously.
Her beloved husband of 23 years, Bobby Weymouth, died last May after contracting the Powassan virus, just days before his 59th birthday.
“He had rheumatoid arthritis so he didn’t stand a chance against the ticks,” she explained.
Bobby’s symptoms began with knee problems and swelling. They worsened, including paralysis, neurological problems and brain swelling. But by the time a spinal tap came back positive for Powassan disease, it was too late.
There is no medicine to treat this virus.
Experts say anyone is at risk, but those with weakened immune systems are especially at risk. One in 10 people die, and half of those who survive suffer permanent brain damage. While cases are still low, public health officials say they are increasing.
Dr. Rob Smith is an infectious disease specialist. and Director Maine Health Research Institute Vector-borne Disease Laboratory
“Maine has seen one or two cases every year. But last year, [here in Maine, as well] “Massachusetts, like other states, has seen an increase in the number of reported cases. We had seven cases last year,” Smith said.
He said Powassan disease is difficult to diagnose. test It is not widely available, and while some patients experience no symptoms, others experience flu-like symptoms similar to those of Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections.
But doctors in Maine are trying to better identify symptoms of Powassan fever and treat them before they become more severe, he said.
“More and more medical centers are going to keep this in mind when they see patients with serious neurological conditions and are more likely to order tests,” Smith added.
Experts believe the virus is spread by deer ticks and, sporadically, woodchuck ticks, which have been found in Maine.
Chuck Lubelchik A vector ecologist at the institute, He leads a team of researchers tracking ticks across Maine. Climate change is causing more ticks to move north and west, he says, putting more people at risk for rare tick-borne diseases. MHIR is conducting a study on Haut to see if treating deer and mice with antiparasitic drugs can reduce tick populations.
“It could be thought of as an alternative to spraying synthetic pesticides to control deer and mice in an area,” Lubelczyk explained.
Bobby was a race car enthusiast who raced cars all over New England. His former race car is on display at the New England Museum of Racing in Louden, New Hampshire. This was part of her efforts to raise awareness about Powassan and she was recently honored at Wiscasset Speedway where she mentored young drivers. AnnMarie never misses an opportunity to not only honor her husband, but also to warn others.
“It’s not just Powassan, but other tick-borne diseases as well,” she warned. “We have people who are suffering and looking for treatment, knowing that tick-borne diseases are on the rise.”
