A New York resident dies after contracting the rare virus transmitted by the tick: Off ..

A New York resident died after contracting the Powbadan virus, a rare virus transmitted by deer ticks, health officials said.

The Ulster County Health Department has been informed of the death of the victim on Wednesday, according to a press release. This is the first known case of Powbadan virus diagnosis in the state this year, health officials said.

The victim was living in the town of Gardiner, the statement said. New York usually sees between zero and six cases of Powbadan infection per year.

Although the virus is rare, the number of people who contracted it has increased in recent years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the United States, most cases occur in the northeastern and Great Lakes regions, from late spring to mid-fall, when ticks are most active.

The first symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting and weakness. Symptoms of serious illness include confusion, loss of coordination, speech difficulties and convulsions.

As the virus progresses, it can cause encephalitis, brain infection, or meningitis, an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. According to the CDC, about one in 10 people with serious illnesses die and about half of the survivors suffer from persistent health problems, including recurrent headaches, loss of muscle mbad, problems with strength and memory.

The disease is clbadified as flavivirus, a group that includes West Nile virus, dengue fever and yellow fever, but these are transmitted by mosquitoes.

There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat the disease.

Ulster County's Commissioner of Health and Mental Health, Dr. Carol M. Smith, advised residents to regularly check if they and their pets were looking for ticks.

"It is imperative that all residents take all necessary precautions against tick-borne diseases, especially during outdoor activities," Smith said in a statement. "Residents must check themselves and their pets for ticks and tick bites."

Health officials recommend that people stay on uncrowded, well-traveled roads, use repellents containing DEET or diethyltoluamide, and shower immediately after spending time outdoors to avoid ticks. In addition, wear light-colored clothing to easily detect ticks and fit your pants into your socks.

Additional information on the death of the victim was not immediately available.