As tick season continues to pick up steam in the US, residents of Maine are diagnosed with a potentially serious tick-borne disease.
An adult living in Hancock County has been hospitalized Pousan virus After developing “neurological symptoms,” according to the Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Main CDC).
The Powassan virus is Infected wood chuck tick Or an infected deer.
Dr. Jorge P. Parada, medical advisor for the National Pest Management Association of Chicago (NPMA), said that Pousanvirus is rare compared to diseases like Lyme disease, “it’s still a serious concern.”
“One of the most dangerous aspects of it is its rapid transmission,” Parada told Fox News Digital.
“Pausan can send just 15 minutes after an infected mites bite, but Lyme disease usually requires 36-48 hours of attachment time for infection.”
Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst at Fox News, confirmed that the virus is transmitted much more rapidly than Lyme disease, and that there is an incubation period of 1-4 weeks.
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meanwhile The cases are rareThe US receives only 7 to 8 diagnoses each year, and is rising mainly in the northeastern and Great Lakes regions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Like other tick-borne diseases, the virus is most prevalent from late spring to midway through.
The first symptoms of the Powassan virus include fever, headache, vomiting and weakness, according to the CDC, but some infected people may not get sick.
In some cases, the virus can lead to severe illness, Brain and spinal cord. In these rare cases, infected people may be difficult to speak and may experience confusion, loss of coordination and seizures, the health agency warned.
Anyone can develop severe illness, but for those at the highest risk, senior citizenchildren and immunocompromised.
There are no vaccines available Pousan virus.
“Unlike most tick-borne diseases, 10% to 15% of severe cases are fatal and half of survivors are permanent experiences. Neurological injury“Parada said.
Many people who experience severe illnesses suffer from long-term symptoms, including headaches, memory problems, and weakness.
According to the Maine CDC, there is no specific drug therapy for the Powassan virus, which focuses on the management of symptoms and complications.
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“Prevention is important because there is no treatment or vaccine for the Pousan virus,” said Parada.
The same tick prevention strategy for Lyme disease applies to the virus, he said.
This includes using EPA registered insect repellents that contain at least 20% DEET, wearing brightly colored clothes with long sleeves, wearing pants that are ticked in socks in areas with mites, and thoroughly checking yourself, your family and pets. I’m outdoorsaccording to Parada.
“We also recommend that you reduce the appeal of mites by keeping the grass short and using gravel or wood chips to reduce the appeal of mites by creating a ‘mites moat’ between the edges of your property to discourage you from moving,” he advised.
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The doctor said, “Rapan transmission, serious combination combinations The impact on health Additionally, due to lack of treatment options, this has become an emerging public health concern that preventive efforts must be readily watched. ”
