WAMPSVILLE, N.Y. — A Madison County resident has tested positive for Powassan virus, the county health department said.The person, an adult man, tested positive on Monday. The health department said the tickborne disease is rare, but can cause serious illness and can be fatal.The virus spreads through the bite of an infected tick. Primarily, a blacklegged (deer) tick.The department said the disease can spread from the tick to a person in 15 minutes, making the removal of the tick crucial.There are no vaccines or medicines to prevent or treat Powassan.The following is a guide from the Madison County Health Department:Symptoms:Many people with Powassan virus do not have symptoms. However, for those who do, symptoms of Powassan virus usually start 1-4 weeks after an infected tick bite.Early symptoms include:FeverHeadacheVomitingGeneralized WeaknessPowassan virus can cause severe illness, including brain swelling (encephalitis) or swelling of the tissues around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).Symptoms of severe illness include:ConfusionLoss of coordinationTrouble speakingSeizuresPrevention:The best way to protect yourself against Powassan and other tickborne illnesses is to prevent tick bites.Wear long sleeves and long pants tucked into tall socks when outdoors.Consider treating outdoor clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin.Use an EPA-registered insect repellent with DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Find the repellent that is right for you.Avoid brushy, grassy, and wooded areas where ticks are often found. Stay in the center of trails.After coming indoors, put your clothes in the dryer on high heat.Check yourself, your children, and pets for ticks after being outdoors.Shower soon after coming indoors.If you do find a tick, remove it as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers. Watch a video on proper tick removal.“Although it’s getting cooler outside, ticks remain a threat any time temperatures are above freezing (32F),” says Madison County Public Health Director Eric Faisst. “It is important that residents continue to protect themselves against tick bites and tickborne illnesses.”If you think you or a family member might have Powassan, contact your healthcare provider. Be sure to tell them about any known tick bite and bring the tick with you, if possible.Learn more about ticks and preventing tickborne illness by visiting the Madison County Public Health website.The health department said the infected person is recovering at home.
