First death in the US caused by Powassan virus; Here's all you need to know about it

• Image Credit: India today

• Jun 2, 2023 | Poonam Nath

After the death of the Sagadohoc County citizen, health officials issued an alert to the public about the lethal viral...

Digital Desk: As reported by the Maine Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, a person in the United States has died from the rare Powassan virus, the first death case in the country this year.

Following the death of the Sagadohoc County citizen, health officials issued an alert to the public about the lethal viral disease, which is now incurable.

WHAT EXACTLY IS POWASSAN VIRUS DISEASE?

Powassan virus disease (POWV) is a rare but serious viral-caused illness. It is transmitted to humans through the biting of an infected deer, groundhog, or squirrel tick. Ticks are external parasites that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and, on rare occasions, reptiles and amphibians.

The disease is most common in the northeastern and Great Lakes regions of the United States between late spring and mid-autumn, but other portions of the country have recently recorded POWV occurrences.

According to Fox News, up to 25 people in the United States are infected each year, with the most recent fatality marking the third fatal case in Maine, US, since 2015.

POWASSAN VIRUS DISEASE SYMPTOMS?

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, most persons who get the virus have no symptoms, but they may experience fever, headache, vomiting, and weakness one week to a month after being bitten.

Fever Headache

Vomiting Weakness

Seizures

Encephalitis (brain inflammation)

Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) is a serious condition.

When the condition is severe, symptoms such as confusion, lack of coordination, and difficulty speaking may occur, resulting in long-term health concerns.

POWASSAN VIRUS DISEASE TREATMENT

The Powassan virus disease has no specific vaccination or therapy. People have been advised, however, to take certain precautions when they are outside.

Rest, plenty of water, over-the-counter pain medicine, and hospitalisation for severe instances are all examples of supportive care.

WHAT PREVENTIVE MEASURES ARE AVAILABLE FOR POWASSAN VIRUS DISEASE?

Avoiding tick bites is the most effective strategy to avoid infection.

When visiting tick-infested areas, wear long sleeves and trousers.

Use a DEET-containing insect repellent.

After being outside, check your body for ticks.

If you locate a tick, remove it as soon as possible. Fine-tipped tweezers can be used to grasp the tick as near to the skin as possible. 

Remove the tick without twisting or crushing it. Soap and water should be used to clean the bitten area.