14 August 2024
Should you aren’t already fending off black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) on account of Lyme illness, the day before today’s announcement is one more reason to be very cautious.
The Allegheny County Well being Division has introduced that the primary human case of Powassan virus illness has been detected within the house. It’s the primary time the tick-borne virus has been observed within the county, and the primary case within the state this yr.
— Submit Gazette: First human case of uncommon however fatal tick virus detected in Allegheny County
Powassan is an extraordinary, however rising, illness that may best be stuck from a black-legged tick chew. Preliminary signs can come with fever, headache, vomiting, and weak spot however it could additionally reason critical sickness together with irritation of the mind (encephalitis) or the membranes across the mind and spinal twine (meningitis). This can lead to longer term neurological results.
There’s no remedy for Powassan and no vaccine. All that may be completed is to stay up for it to run its path and mitigate the indicators.
It isn’t a surprise that this came about right now of yr. Summer time is when black-legged ticks are tiny nymphs.
Right here’s how large they’re in comparison to an grownup. No marvel we don’t understand them sucking our blood!
There are two techniques to stop Lyme illness.
#1. Take a look at your frame for ticks after you’ve been open air. There is also ticks on your personal yard so test each time.
#2 Stay ticks off your garments and pores and skin. Put on lengthy pants and lengthy sleeves and spray your garments with permethrin. Some recommend the usage of DEET in your pores and skin (in case you put on shorts) however I will be able to attest that lengthy pants sprayed with permethrin is far better.
Keep secure open air. Steer clear of ticks
For more info, see the Submit-Gazette: First human case of uncommon however fatal tick virus detected in Allegheny County.