The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday that a York County resident has died from a rare virus transmitted by tick bites.
This is Maine’s first death from Powassan virus infection since May 2023. Two other Maine residents, in Kennebec and Lincoln counties, are also known to have had the virus so far this year. The state has not released details about their health conditions, but the virus is not fatal in most cases.
Powassan virus infection cases are rare in the United States, with approximately 20 to 50 cases reported nationwide each year for the past five years. Maine saw a record seven confirmed cases of Powassan virus infection in 2023, with 25 cases recorded since 2014, including four deaths in the past decade, according to the Maine CDC.
Powassan virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected deer or woodchuck tick. Deer ticks are active any time the temperature is above freezing, but are most active in the spring, summer, and fall. Powassan virus can be transmitted from tick to human in as little as 15 minutes after the bite.
Many people infected with Powassan virus don’t get sick or have any symptoms. It doesn’t have the characteristic rash that occurs with Lyme disease.
For those who do develop symptoms, the period between being bitten by a tick and feeling unwell can begin any time up to one month after the bite. Symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, seizures and memory loss. Some people may develop serious neurological problems, including inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
About 10% of severe cases result in death. People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness. If you experience any of these symptoms after a tick bite, contact medical help as soon as possible, the CDC said.
Ticks live in forests and leafy scrub areas, and deer ticks have been found and are active in all 16 counties in Maine. The best prevention against tick-borne diseases is to avoid tick bites.
Following these tips can help prevent tick-borne illnesses:
• Know where ticks live and take precautions in areas where they may be present.
• Wear light-colored clothing that covers your arms and legs, and tuck your pants into your socks.
• Use an EPA-approved repellent such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus oil on skin and permethrin on clothing.
• Check for ticks daily and after any outdoor activity. Check your family and pets as well.
• When you get home, remove your clothes and put them in the dryer before washing them. Dry them on high heat for 10 to 15 minutes to kill any ticks that aren’t attached to your body.
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