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Tick-borne diseases can cause serious diseases, including Lyme disease. Throughout New Jersey, ticks are found in wooded and grassy areas. Here's what to do after a family hike to protect yourself from tick bites.
Russ Zimmer

The Powassan virus strikes near home for New Jerseyers.

According to reports, this rare deer tick virus killed Armand Desormeaux in Hampton, New Jersey in May, when another infected individual was recovering at home in Sussex County. A survey of the Sussex County Health Division is currently underway because of these two cases.

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Reports on the Powassan virus, transmitted by deer ticks, have been steadily increasing in recent years.

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The incubation period of Powassan goes from about a week to a month. It is a neuroinvasive disease that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the surrounding membranes of the nervous system). Fever, loss of coordination, convulsions and more are possible symptoms.

Andrea Egizi, Ph.D., Research Scientist at

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Andrea Egizi, Ph.D., Research Scientist at

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Andrea Egizi, Ph.D., researcher at Tick-through

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Andrea Egizi, Ph.D., researcher at Tick-through

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Alvaro Toledo, professor of entomology and tick expert,

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Andrea Egizi, Ph.D., Research Scientist at

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Andrea Egizi, researcher at Monmouth

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(right) Andrea Egizi, Ph.D., Research Scientist

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Andrea Egizi, Ph.D., Research Scientist at

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Andrea Egizi, Ph.D., Research Scientist at

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Armand's daughter, Dianne Rude, advised the public: "Spray your gardens, put your pets on the front line and check for ticks yourself." To avoid ticks, try to stay out of tall, grassy areas, wear long-sleeved, insect-proof shirts, and take a shower soon after being outdoors.

For more information on Powassan, you can visit the State Department of Health's website at http://state.nj.us/health/cd/topics/powassan.shtml. Or you can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov/powassan.

Make sure to stay tuned for more health information regarding NJ on APP.com. Better yet, subscribe today.

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