NY Resident Dies Of Powassan Virus

KINGSTON, NY — A New York resident died from the Powassan virus, a rare and often serious disease spread by infected ticks. Health officials said this was the first known case of an individual diagnosed with the Powassan virus in New York this year.

The Ulster County resident lived in Gardiner and had additional underlying health conditions and died earlier this week.

Dr. Carol M. Smith, Ulster County Commissioner of Health and Mental Health, said she has been in touch with the state Department of Health which follows reports of testing for tick-borne diseases and reports positive results to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Powassan virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected deer tick, according to health officials. Since it's a viral disease, it cannot be treated with antibiotics. The risk of getting Powassan is exceedingly low, however. Tens of thousands of people get tick bites every year, officials said, typically, in the state only up to six cases are diagnosed each year.

According to the CDC, there have been 144 cases of Powassan virus disease from 2009 to 2018 in the United States. Of those, there were only 12 deaths.

Minnesota had the most number of reported cases, with 34, followed by Wisconsin (25), Massachusetts (22) and New York (19). Other states where the virus has been reported are Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia.

"It is imperative that all residents take every precaution necessary against tick-borne illnesses, especially during outdoor activities," Smith said.

"Residents should vigilantly check themselves and their pets for ticks and tick bites," she said.

County Executive Pat Ryan said he has directed the health commissioner to take every step necessary to help to prevent the spread of tick-borne diseases including the implementation of an expanded public awareness campaign.

"On behalf of the county, we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of our neighbor who passes away," he said in a prepared statement.

Symptoms of the Powassan virus include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, speech difficulties and memory problems. Health officials said, if you or a family member has been bitten by a tick and are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you should consult with your doctor as soon as possible.

The best way to avoid becoming ill with tick borne diseases is to take proper precautions when spending time outdoors. These include:

• Staying on clear well-travelled paths.
• Wearing light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily.
• Tucking pants into socks.
• Use of insect repellents containing DEET for skin applications and Permethrin for clothing and shoes.
• Showering as soon as possible after spending time outdoors.
• Checking everyone including pets frequently and at the end of each day, and removing all ticks promptly and properly.

Additional information can be found on the website of the New York State Health Department and the CDC.

Find and “Like” Hudson Valley Patches' Facebook Pages.