Deadly Tick Carrying Brain Swelling Virus
The weather is getting warmer and that means new threats are on the rise, like the Powassan virus spread by ticks.There's no known cure for the Powassan virus so reducing the risk of being infected needs to be a top priority for all of us. Powassan is also sometimes fatal. It is spread by the same deer tick that carries Lyme disease and once you've been hit, it'll attack your nervous system and cause your brain to swell.
Powassan is mostly found in the northeast but we're not immune here in Idaho, and with so many of us enjoying the outdoors on the greenbelt, hikes like table rock, hunting, jogging, biking, etc... we all need to be a little more aware of what's out there.
While we haven't seen a case this year so far, we need to take preventative measures to keep it that way. These things spread like wildfire so let's just keep it out. Here's how to keep yourself safe...
- Avoid direct contact with ticks
- Use repellent that has 20% more DEET
- Find and remove ticks as quickly as possible
For more detailed information on how to prevent yourself and your pets from receiving this nasty virus go to the Centers of Disease Control Prevention.
Like I said earlier there is no treatment for this virus. Approximately 10% of cases are fatal and half of those who obtain Powassan are left with permanent neurological consequences. Symptoms are vomiting, weakness, confusion, seizures, and memory loss. See a doctor as soon as possible if you are experiencing these symptoms.