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(KMSP) – A disease transmitted by ticks, more serious than Lyme disease, is increasing. This is the Powassan virus and there are already 20 confirmed cases in Minnesota. Ticks from 6 counties were tested positive, some very close to Twin Cities metro.
The virus has been confirmed in the counties of Anoka, Cass, Clearwater, Houston, Morrison and Pine.
First documented in 1958, the virus bears the name of the Canadian city where it appeared. Symptoms include headache, vomiting, weakness and, in many cases, swelling of the brain. Government statistics show that half of those infected will suffer permanent neurological damage.
Since 2008, 22 cases have been reported in Minnesota, but researchers warn that their numbers may increase. A Yale report published in 2015 revealed ecological changes that "caused the spread of the pathogen in the common tick of the deer".
Unlike Lyme Disease, which is treatable and preventable, if an infected tick is quickly removed, the Powassan virus has no known cure and can be transmitted from one tick to a human in just a few minutes.
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