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A case of a rare virus transmitted by ticks was detected in Cayuga County for the first time, the most western virus in the virus having been discovered in the state, reported Monday health officials.
The Cayuga County Health Department announced that the Powassan virus, transmitted by the bite of a blacklegged tick or a deer tick, had been confirmed in an adult patient.
Unlike other tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, the Powassan virus can be transmitted through the bite of a tick after being fixed for 15 minutes, according to a department press release. .
Infected persons often do not develop symptoms, but those who do so usually do so within four weeks of their bite. Symptoms may include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, speech problems and convulsions.
More severe cases can lead to headaches, high fever, confusion, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, coma or death. The virus can also cause encephalitis and meningitis, inflammation of the brain or brain and the spinal cord membrane, respectively.
The Ministry of Health recommends consulting a health care provider if you have such symptoms.
The resident of the area diagnosed with the Powassan virus has symptoms. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Powassan virus is not transmissible between humans.
To reduce the risk of contracting tick-borne diseases, the health department recommends wearing light-colored clothing, slipping pants into socks and shirts in trousers, and frequently looking for ticks. on the skin or clothing, brush the found ticks before attachment and do a thorough check of your body for ticks once inside.
Insect repellent can also help reduce tick bites. Repellent should not be applied directly to the face or children, depending on the department. Apply it on your hands before applying it to children.
For more information, call the County Health Department at 315-253-1560.
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