This Year’s First Powassan Virus Death Confirmed in Maine

Maine health officials have confirmed the first death and Powassan case of this year.

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that a resident of Sagadahoc County died from this disease.

The Department of Health and Human Services of the state said on Wednesday, an adult who died had developed neurologic signs.

After becoming infected, they died in hospital.

Powassan cases are rare in the U.S. and 25 cases per year have been reported since 2015.

Maine identified 15 cases in the same time period, including four last years.

The illness has killed two people, the third Powassan death recorded in the state of Washington since 2015.

The virus is transmitted by the deer tick and woodchuck tick.

Ticks are active when temperatures rise above freezing but they are most active during the spring, summer, and fall seasons.

Most people who are infected don’t show any symptoms.

The time between the bite and the onset of symptoms can vary from one week up to one month.

Some of the symptoms include fever, headaches, nausea, weakness, confusion or seizures. Other people may have serious neurologic issues, such as brain or spinal cord swelling.

Around 10% of people with severe diseases die.

Deer ticks can be found in all sixteen counties in Maine.

The Department of Health and Human Services advised that ticks are active at the moment, and anyone who spends time outside should take precautions to reduce their exposure.

Follow these Tick-Free ME tips to stay tick-free after any outdoor activity.

Use an EPA-approved repellent, and check for ticks after every outdoor activity and daily.

The officials also recommend that people remove their clothes when they return to the house and place them in a dryer, with high heat for 10 minutes. This will kill any crawling ticks.