Possible Case Of Tick-Borne Powassan Virus In Hudson Valley

HUDSON, NY — As county health officials await the confirmation of a possible case of Powassan virus, Columbia County residents are being reminded to take precautions against ticks.

Powassan virus is a rare viral disease that can cause symptoms ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to life-threatening encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain.

Health officials said the disease remains rare in New York state, with 27 cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2011 to 2020.

As of June 30, Columbia County has had a total of 489 Lyme disease cases reported.

Jack Mabb, Columbia County's director of public health, said there are a number of preventative measures that can work together for protection against tick-borne diseases.

"It is important for residents to plan ahead before outdoor activities, be mindful of exposure while outdoors and to remain vigilant in checking for ticks both while outdoors and afterward for the best chance of prevention against tick-borne diseases," he said.

The last reported case of Powassan virus in Columbia County was in 2018, according to the health department.

The county issued a list of best practices to protect you and your family from ticks and tick-borne illnesses. They include:

• Wear light-colored clothing with a tight weave to spot ticks easily, as well as enclosed shoes, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck the pant legs into socks or boots and shirt into pants.
• Check your clothes and any exposed skin frequently for ticks while outdoors.
• Consider using an insect repellent like DEET.
• Stay on cleared, well-traveled trails. Walk in the center of trails. Avoid dense woods and bushy areas.
• Bathe or shower as soon as possible after going indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that may be on you.
• Do final, full-body tick checks at the end of the day (also check children and pets) and remove ticks promptly.
• Wear permethrin-treated clothing and footwear when in tick habitat.

Columbia County Department of Health's 24-hour Lyme and other tick-borne disease information line can be reached by calling 518-828-7539.