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Powassan virus found in Massachusetts ticks

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Powassan virus found in Massachusetts ticks


AMHERST, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – A western Massachusetts tick testing firm has discovered a number of ticks have examined optimistic for the Powassan virus, not lengthy after a Connecticut lady in her 90s died of the tick-borne virus.

Scientists at Tick Report in Amherst are busy testing round 1,000 ticks per week, taking a detailed look beneath the microscope, and extracting DNA.

“June goes to be the worst month of the 12 months for deer ticks, actually the riskiest tick chew that you could get,” mentioned Paul Killinger, schooling director at Tick Report.

Deer ticks are the first service of Lyme micro organism and the a lot rarer Powassan virus.

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“This 12 months has been slightly bit humorous for Powassan, the place usually, we see two or three per 12 months. At this level, we’ve solely examined half of the ticks we usually do and we’ve already seen three optimistic outcomes,” Killinger added.

Killinger mentioned with the small pattern measurement and it being so early within the 12 months, this may not imply an entire lot, however with the current lethal case of Powassan virus in Connecticut, the lab is retaining a detailed eye on it.

“It looks like the worst outcomes to come back with people who find themselves already at-risk, both with immune circumstances or simply due to age,” Killinger defined.

Killinger instructed Western Mass Information that the 90-year-old lady’s age could have been an element. Many individuals uncovered to Powassan virus by no means really feel sick, whereas others develop into severely unwell with an in an infection of the mind, encephalitis, or meningitis.

“A variety of truly similarities to the signs of a concussion, that’s type of the cheat means that i like to think about it,” Killinger mentioned.

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Signs can develop between per week and a month after a chew and embody fever, headache, vomiting, weak point, confusion, speech difficulties, and seizures.

Ten p.c of these with a extreme type of the illness will die and there’s no identified vaccine or remedy.

Fortunately, it’s uncommon, however not extraordinary within the Bay State. Up to now decade, there have been 100 instances of Powassan within the U.S. and 16 of these had been in Massachusetts.

The longer a tick feeds, the riskier it’s in transmitting a illness.

“After we see ticks which have fed for 3 or extra days, there’s not less than a 50 p.c likelihood that it got here from the hair of a kid beneath the age of 12,” Killinger famous.

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Killinger mentioned to examine your child’s hair day by day, use DEET on the pores and skin, and spray your clothes and footwear with the insecticide permethrin.

“…And that’s one thing that solely goes on clothes, however the good factor about that’s you’ll be able to possibly do it as soon as a month and you’ll simply stroll out the door,” Killinger defined.

Killinger mentioned the spray is secure for pets so long as you let it dry in a single day.



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Massachusetts

Alanis Morissette, Mates Of State: 5 MA Events This Week

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Alanis Morissette, Mates Of State: 5 MA Events This Week


MASSACHUSETTS — Are you saving your nights outside of the house for the weekend? In Massachusetts, that can often mean missing out on a bevy of great concerts, art exhibits and other events across the state.

In Patch’s latest weekly column, we focus on the events happening throughout the week in the Boston area and beyond.

Below are five events worth checking out, including concerts, film screenings and a celebration — through competition — of poetry and hip-hop.



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KFD responds to house fire on Massachusetts Avenue

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KFD responds to house fire on Massachusetts Avenue


KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -On Monday, the Knoxville Fire Department reported responding to a house fire in a bedroom at 1544 Massachusetts Avenue.

According to KFD, when fire crews arrived, officers told them the entire house at the dead end of the street was on fire. Crews successfully extinguished the fire and a small yard fire near the home.

KFD responds to house fire on Massachusetts Ave(Knoxville Fire Department)

According to KFD, the home suffered significant damage and was a total loss. Officials also report that despite the building having no electricity and being uninhabitable prior to the fire, three people—two females and one male — still managed to illegally live inside the home.

KFD said one female was taken into custody by Knoxville Fire Investigators and charged with aggravated arson.

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According to KFD, no injuries have been reported from the incident.



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Massachusetts woman killed in crash on Route 495 remembered as gifted doll maker and crafter

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Massachusetts woman killed in crash on Route 495 remembered as gifted doll maker and crafter


A woman who was killed in a fatal highway crash on Saturday is being remembered.

According to Massachusetts State Police, at just after 3:15 p.m., State Troopers assigned to the Middleborough Barracks responded to a single-vehicle crash on Route 495 southbound in Bridgewater that resulted in the death of passenger in the vehicle.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu was traveling on Interstate 495 when, for reasons still under investigation, it went into the wooded median of the roadway and rolled over. The Malibu’s driver, a 79-year-old Mashpee man, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. The passenger of the vehicle, 74-year-old Lana Testa of Mashpee, sustained fatal injuries and was determined to be deceased by on scene medical personnel.

Friends say that the driver was Lana’s husband Dave.

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Lana was being remembered for her primitive dolls and craft show creations in addition to her contributions to Primitive Place magazine which led the publication to issue a tribute.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of Lana Testa’s passing. Lana has been a dedicated supporter and contributor to A Primitive Place magazine from the very beginning. Her passion and creativity left an indelible mark on our community. As a gifted doll maker, Lana brought joy and inspiration to many through her exclusive creations, each one a testament to her extraordinary talent and meticulous craftsmanship.

“One of the cherished memories we hold dear is the feature in the Fall 2011 issue, where Lana and her husband David’s beautiful home was showcased. The image of one of Lana’s dolls “reading” that very issue stands as a poignant reminder of her contributions and the joy she brought to our readers. Lana’s dolls were more than just artistic pieces; they embodied her spirit, love, and dedication to the primitive arts.

“Lana’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those touched by her work. We extend our deepest condolences to David and the entire Testa family during this difficult time. Lana will be profoundly missed, but her memory will forever be cherished.”

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Services have not yet been announced.

The crash remains under investigation by Troop D of the Massachusetts State Police, the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, the State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and investigators from the Plymouth County State Police Detective Unit. Troopers were assisted by Brockton and Raynham Fire and EMS, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.



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