Case of Powassan virus detected in Cayuga County

CAYUGA COUNTY, N.Y. — A case of Powassan virus has been confirmed in Cayuga County.

According to the county health department, an adult living in the county has contracted the virus.

This is the furthest west in New York state that the virus has been identified.

Powassan virus is a rare, but often serious disease caused by a virus that is spread by the bite of an infected black-legged tick or deer tick, according to the health department. Unlike other tick-borne diseases, Powassan virus can be transmitted to a human from an infected tick while being attached to a person for as little as 15 minutes.

Many individuals who become infected with the Powassan virus do not develop symptoms. Those who do develop symptoms usually have symptoms within one to four weeks after being bit by a tick carrying this virus. These symptoms can include, fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, speech difficulties, and seizures. Some of the more severe infections can include symptoms such as head ache, high fever, confusion, tremors, seizures, paralysis, coma or death.

The Powassan virus can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the membrane the surround the brain and spinal cord).

The Health Department would like to remind residents that personal protection is recommended during outdoor activities to avoid exposure to ticks. When in a potentially tick-infested area:

• Wear light-colored clothing (for easy tick discovery)
• Tuck pants into socks and shirt into pants
• Check frequently during outdoor activity for ticks on clothing or skin
• Brush off any ticks on clothing or skin before skin attachment occurs
• A thorough check of body surfaces for attached ticks should be done once indoors