According to leaders who are urging people to take steps against the disease, a confirmed situation of the tick-borne Powassan virus has been reported in the Bay State.
The first case of Powassan virus in the town, which like Lyme condition, is transmitted through contaminated bugs, has been confirmed by the Sharon Health Department.
Although still rare, the number of reported cases of people ill from , Powassan virus , has jumped in recent years.
Powassan virus is strongly related to West Nile virus, and while cases are uncommon compared to the various illnesses spread by the same bite, it may enter the brain and spinal cord and spread serious disease,” according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in a speech.
Most Powassan virus users never experience symptoms, but some may develop severe symptoms through meningitis ( inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord ) or encephalitis ( inflammation of the brain ).
The symptoms typically start a fortnight to a fortnight after an infected tick bite.
Signs and symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, failure, uncertainty, loss of coordination, conversation issues and convulsions.
The most common tick- paid illnesses in Massachusetts are Lyme illness, anaplasmosis and zoonoses. The black-legged bite, also known as the antelope bite, is responsible for spreading all three of these conditions.
Borrelia miyamotoi and Powassan disease are two other illnesses that are more common in Massachusetts and are spread by this bite.
People are urged to be aware that bugs are most active from March through October, but they can get out whenever the temperature is above freezing in Massachusetts, where the risk of tick-borne diseases is great every year.
The most effective method for reducing risk is to engage in regular bug checks, rapid removal of any attached ticks, and specific prevention practices, according to DPH, which include awareness, use of tick repellents, covering up, and daily cover-up.
Follow these instructions when going outdoors in a place where ticks are common, such as paint, wooded, or grassy:
—Use a repellant with DEET.
—Wear much, light- pink pants tucked into socks or boots, and a lengthy- sleeved shirt.
Avoid the top wildlife where ticks are most likely to be if you go hiking or walking on trails.
Detached ticks may be removed by simply showingering right away after prospective tick exposure.
— Talk to your veterinarian about tick control options (tick collars, repellents ) for your pets.
—After wasting time in an area good to have bugs, check yourself, your children and pets for fleas.
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