Deadly Powassan Virus Confirmed In 1 MA Town For The First Time

SHARON, MA — A case of the deadly Powassan virus has been confirmed in Sharon, Massachusetts for the first time, according to the Sharon Health Department.

The tick-borne disease, similar to Lyme disease, is transmitted through infected ticks. It can cause fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, speech difficulties, seizures, and inflammation of the brain, though most people exposed to the virus never feel sick at all, health officials said.

Symptoms usually begin between one week and one month after the bite of an infected tick.

The Massachussetts county with the lowest incidence of Powassan virus is Hampden at 0.01 per 100,000, though several counties, including Bristol, Norfolk, and Plymouth follow close behind at 0.02, and many others have similarly low levels.

But "although still rare, the number of reported cases of people sick from Powassan virus has increased in recent years," the town said in a news release Thursday.

To prevent the virus, the Mass Department of Public Health suggests those who plan to be outside in an area likely to have ticks — such as brush, wooded or grassy places — to follow these steps:

• Use a repellent with DEET. More information on choosing a repellent and how to use repellents safely is included on the DPH Public Health Fact Sheet on Tick Repellents.
• Wear long, light-colored pants tucked into socks or boots, and a long-sleeved shirt.
• Stay on trails when walking or hiking, avoid the edge habitat where ticks are likely to be.
• Showering immediately after potential tick exposure may help remove unattached ticks.
• Talk to your veterinarian about tick control options (tick collars, repellents) for your pets.
• After spending time in an area likely to have ticks, check yourself, your children and pets for ticks.