Connecticut reports year’s first fatality, second case of Powassan virus due to tick bite

The Connecticut Division of Public Well being (DPH) not too long ago introduced the state’s second case of Powassan virus an infection (POWV) and first fatality in 2022, in accordance with their press launch. 

“This incident reminds us that residents have to take actions to stop tick bites now via the late fall,” stated Dr. Manisha Juthani, who’s the commissioner of the state’s DPH. 

“DPH stresses using insect repellent this summer season and avoiding high-risk areas, corresponding to tall grass, the place ticks could also be discovered. It’s additionally essential to verify fastidiously for ticks after being outdoors which may scale back the possibility of you and your loved ones members being contaminated with this harmful virus.”

The feminine affected person, who was the state’s second reported case who examined constructive for the virus this yr, was between the age of 90 to 99.

She lived in New London County with a recognized tick chew, which was eliminated two weeks previous to onset of signs.

She began to not really feel properly in early Might, then was later admitted to a neighborhood hospital complaining of fever, altered psychological standing, headache and chest ache, however turned unresponsive over the following two weeks and died on Might 17. 

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Testing carried out on the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the presence of antibodies to POWV.

12 instances of POWV related sickness have been reported in Connecticut throughout 2017 to 2021, together with two which have been deadly. 

Connecticut’s first case with POWV was a male in his 50s, who was a resident of Windham County who turned sick in late March after a recognized tick chew. 

Closeup of a tick on a plant straw
(iStock)

He was hospitalized with a central nervous system illness however was discharged from the hospital and recovered at dwelling. 

“Commissioner Juthani added that POWV is normally unfold via the chew of an contaminated black-legged or deer tick. It takes per week to at least one month after the chew from an contaminated tick to develop signs of POWV illness, and the virus may be transmitted in as little as quarter-hour after the tick first attaches,” the state’s press launch stated.

Though some folks contaminated with the virus can have minimal to no signs, some will develop extreme sickness affecting the central nervous system.

This engorged grownup lone star tick. Lone star ticks can transmit the pathogen that causes tickborne illnesses such ehrlichiosis and Southern tick-associated rash sickness, or STARI.
(Credit score: NIAID (Photograph by: IMAGE POINT FR/NIH/NIAID/BSIP //Common Pictures Group by way of Getty Pictures))

Extreme instances might begin with fevers, headache, and vomiting that quickly progresses to confusion, lack of coordination, issue talking or seizures.

Roughly 10% instances of extreme sickness are deadly and roughly half of survivors expertise long-term well being issues, per the discharge. 

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There isn’t any particular remedy or vaccine for POWV, however extreme sickness might require hospitalization, respiratory assist and hydration. 

To forestall tick bites, the well being division recommends avoiding “grassy, brushy or wooded areas,” contemplating use of CDC-recommended mosquito repellents, performing a pores and skin verify instantly after returning indoors, and showering inside two hours of coming dwelling.

It additionally reminds the general public that though ticks are most energetic from spring to fall, they could even be energetic throughout winter when it’s hotter outdoors.

For extra data on Powassan virus and tips on how to forestall tick bites, click on right here.