Powassan virus is transmitted by ticks.
Well being officers are alerting folks in regards to the lethal Powassan virus illness, a non-treatable sickness unfold by ticks, after the Maine Centre for Illness Management and Prevention mentioned {that a} Sagadahoc County resident has died from the uncommon virus.
In accordance with The Impartial, as much as 25 folks within the US are contaminated yearly, with the newest demise marking the third deadly case in Maine since 2015, Fox Information reported.
The Powassan virus is often transmitted to people by way of bites by contaminated deer ticks, groundhog ticks, or squirrel ticks, mostly within the Nice Lakes area of North America between late spring and mid-autumn.
Though Powassan instances are uncommon, however extra instances have been documented lately. Infections with the Powassan virus in people have been reported within the US, Canada, and Russia.
Listed below are particulars associated to the signs of the Powassan virus and how one can shield your self:
Signs
In accordance with the Centres for Illness Management and Prevention, nearly all of Powassan virus-infected folks lack any signs. For folks with signs, the time from a tick chunk to feeling sick ranges from 1 week to 1 month.
Many individuals contaminated with the Powassan virus would not have signs. For folks with signs, the time from a tick chunk to feeling sick ranges from 1 week to 1 month.
Preliminary signs can embody fever, headache, vomiting, and weak point.
Powassan virus may cause extreme illness, together with an infection of the mind (encephalitis) or the membranes across the mind and spinal wire (meningitis).
Signs of extreme illness embody confusion, lack of coordination, problem talking, and seizures.
Roughly 1 out of 10 folks with extreme illnesses die.
Roughly half of the individuals who survive extreme illness have long-term well being issues akin to recurring complications, lack of muscle mass and energy, and reminiscence issues.
Remedy
There aren’t any drugs to stop or deal with Powassan virus an infection. Antibiotics don’t deal with viruses.
Relaxation, fluids, and over-the-counter ache drugs could relieve some signs.
Folks with extreme illness usually should be hospitalized to obtain help for respiratory, staying hydrated, or decreasing swelling within the mind.
