The case of the Powassan virus in the Northeast highlights a deadly threat of disease transmitted by ticks

While the tick season continues to take steam across the United States, a Maine resident was diagnosed with a potentially serious disease.

The adult, who lives in the county of Hancock, was hospitalized with the Powassan virus after developing “neurological symptoms”, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC).

The Powassan virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected truche tick, or from an infected deer, although it is less likely.

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Dr. Jorge P. Parada, MD, medical advisor at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) in Chicago, noted that the Powassan virus is rare compared to diseases like Lyme disease, but “it is always a serious concern”.

“One of the most dangerous aspects is its rapid transmission,” parada told Fox News Digital.

While the tick season continues to take steam across the United States, a Maine resident was diagnosed with a potentially serious disease. (istock)

“Powassan can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes after the infected tick stings, while Lyme disease generally requires a fixing time of 36 to 48 hours for transmission.”

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News principal medical analyst, confirmed that this virus was transmitted much faster than Lyme disease, with an incubation period from one to four weeks.

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Although cases are rare, with only seven to eight diagnoses each year in the United States, they have been up in recent years-mainly in the northeast regions and large lakes, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As with other diseases transmitted by ticks, the virus is the most widespread from the end of spring to the midwife.

“Unlike most diseases transmitted by ticks, 10% to 15% of serious cases are fatal.”

The first symptoms of the Powassan virus include fever, headache, vomiting and weakness, according to the CDC, although some infected people do not fall ill.

In some cases, the virus can cause serious illness, resulting in inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

In these rare cases, infected persons may experience difficulty speaking, confusion, loss of coordination and crises, warned the health agency.

Although anyone can develop a serious illness, those who are most at risk include the elderly, children and immunodequets.

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There are no vaccines available for the Powassan virus.

“Unlike most of the diseases transmitted by ticks, 10% to 15% of serious cases are fatal and half of the survivors are undergoing permanent neurological damage,” said parada.

The Powassan virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected groundhog tick or an infected deer. (istock)

Many people with serious illnesses suffer from long -term symptoms, including headaches, memory problems and a drop in muscle strength.

There is no specific drug for the Powassan virus, with treatment focused on symptoms and complications, according to Maine CDC.

“Since there is no treatment or vaccine for the Powassan virus, prevention is critical,” said parada.

The same tick prevention strategies for Lyme disease also apply to this virus, he said.

To avoid tick stings, experts recommend using insectors recorded in EPA containing at least 20% deet, wearing light -colored clothes with long sleeves and flap pants in socks outside. (istock)

These include the use of insect repellents recorded in EPA containing at least 20% deet, wearing light-colored clothes with long sleeves and pants nestled in socks in areas with ticks and performing in-depth checking of you, your family and your pets after being outside, according to parada.

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“We also recommend that you make your court less attractive for ticks while keeping the grass short and using gravel or wood chips to create a” ditch “to check” between the edge of your property to discourage migration, “he advised.

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The doctor added: “The combination of the rapid transmission of Powassan, the serious consequences of health and the lack of processing options make it an emerging public health problem which requires immediate attention to prevention efforts.”