Maryland has reported its first travel-related fatality due to the Powassan virus, an uncommon tick-borne illness originating from Canada.
New Viral Threat
As the Powassan virus looms as a potential threat, health officials emphasize the importance of vigilance in tick-prone areas across the United States.
The first documented case of a Powassan virus-related death in Maryland sent shockwaves through the medical community.
The deceased individual, who contracted the virus while in Canada, tragically passed after returning to Maryland.
While local transmission of the virus is not deemed a concern, health officials stress the significance of adhering to tick-preventative practices when visiting or residing in tick-prone environments.
Tick-Bite Transmision
The Powassan virus, primarily spread through the bite of an infected tick, has witnessed a recent uptick in reported cases.
Although the virus remains rare, its emergence poses a growing public health concern.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that it is not typically transmitted from person to person, except in exceptional cases involving blood transfusion.
Can Present WIth No Symptoms!
The symptoms of Powassan infection include fever, headache, vomiting, and, more severely, coordination difficulties, memory and speech problems, and potentially, encephalitis and meningitis.
It is noteworthy that Powassan often presents with no symptoms, further complicating detection.
Throughout 2022, 44 Powassan virus cases were reported to the CDC, resulting in seven fatalities. Alarming trends continue into 2023, with 28 reported cases so far.
One rare but odd symptom that continues to confound doctors is the development of an allergy to red meat.
Anaphylactic Reaction
Allergic reactions caused by these tick bites can range from an uncomfortable rash to a full-on anaphylactic reaction.
While many common allergic reactions often happen immediately after consuming the food, the red meat reaction from the tick can often show up hours later, making it hard for people to connect the dots.
The CDC underscores that the majority of cases occur in the northeastern and Great Lakes regions, coinciding with the active tick season from late spring to mid-fall.
No Vaccine or Cure
This distressing reality is compounded by the lack of vaccines or specific antiviral medications for the virus, leaving prevention as the most viable road ahead.
The Powassan virus represents a formidable adversary, with an alarming increase in cases and the start of fatalities.
In the absence of a vaccine or curative treatment, vigilance and proactive tick prevention practices have become the only shield against this tick-borne illness.
The post ‘No Cure for Latest Lethal Threat’: Rare Tick-Borne Virus Claims First Life – Do You Know the Warning Signs? first appeared on The Net Worth Of.
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