A confirmed case of Powassan virus was first reported in Sharon, Massachusetts, and officials are warning residents to take precautions against the tick-borne illness. Powassan virus, like Lyme, is spread by infected ticks. Although still rare, the number of reported cases of people sick with Powassan virus has increased in recent years, according to the Sharon Health Department. “At least the people I took care of came out the other side.” There is no real treatment available, so the problem runs its course,” said Dr. Alysse Wurcel of Tufts Medical Center. Symptoms of the disease usually appear between a week and a month after the bite of an infected tick. Signs and symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, slurred speech, and seizures. The virus can cause encephalitis, a potentially serious illness. fatal swelling of the brain, or meningitis, inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord that can be life-threatening. After going outside, doctors recommend checking for ticks – on your body, on your children and on your pets.
A confirmed case of Powassan virus was first reported in Sharon, Massachusetts, and officials are warning residents to take precautions against the tick-borne illness.
Powassan virus, like Lyme, is spread by infected ticks. Although still rare, the number of reported cases of people with Powassan virus has increased in recent years, according to the Sharon Health Department.
“At least the people I took care of came out the other side.” There is no real treatment available, so the problem runs its course,” said Dr. Alysse Wurcel of Tufts Medical Center.
Symptoms of the disease usually appear between a week and a month after the bite of an infected tick.
Signs and symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, and seizures.
The virus can cause encephalitis, a potentially fatal swelling of the brain, or meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord that can be life-threatening.
After going outside, doctors recommend checking for ticks – on your body, on your children and on your pets.
