The Maryland Department of Health announced the first-ever case and death due to the Powassan virus in Maryland.The department confirmed the presence of Powassan, which is spread by the bite of an infected tick, on Sept. 22.”We are very saddened to report the first death due to the Powassan virus in our state,” Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman said in a news release. “Powassan is very rare, and this is the first-ever case recorded in Maryland. The individual contracted the virus in Canada and returned to Maryland afterward. We do not believe that Powassan poses any threat of local transmission in Maryland. As always, we urge everyone to practice good habits when in areas that could have ticks or avoid those areas altogether.”According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Powassan virus is rare and cannot be transmitted from person to person, except in rare cases by blood transfusion. There are no vaccines or medicines to prevent or treat the disease.Officials said most U.S. cases occur in the northeast from late spring into fall when ticks are most active.To reduce contact with ticks, avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and vegetation. Check your entire body after returning from possible tick-infested areas.Officials said many people infected with the Powassan virus do not have symptoms, but if they do, symptoms could include fever, headache, vomiting and weakness.More information on the virus can be found on the CDC’s website.
The Maryland Department of Health announced the first-ever case and death due to the Powassan virus in Maryland.
The department confirmed the presence of Powassan, which is spread by the bite of an infected tick, on Sept. 22.
“We are very saddened to report the first death due to the Powassan virus in our state,” Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman said in a news release. “Powassan is very rare, and this is the first-ever case recorded in Maryland. The individual contracted the virus in Canada and returned to Maryland afterward. We do not believe that Powassan poses any threat of local transmission in Maryland. As always, we urge everyone to practice good habits when in areas that could have ticks or avoid those areas altogether.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Powassan virus is rare and cannot be transmitted from person to person, except in rare cases by blood transfusion. There are no vaccines or medicines to prevent or treat the disease.
Officials said most U.S. cases occur in the northeast from late spring into fall when ticks are most active.
To reduce contact with ticks, avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and vegetation. Check your entire body after returning from possible tick-infested areas.
Officials said many people infected with the Powassan virus do not have symptoms, but if they do, symptoms could include fever, headache, vomiting and weakness.
More information on the virus can be found on the CDC’s website.
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