Officials warn as rare tick-borne disease discovered in Massachusetts town

A confirmed case of Powassan virus has been reported for the first time in the town of Sharon and the Sharon Health Department is warning people to take precautions against this tick-borne disease.

Powassan virus, much like Lyme, is transmitted through infected ticks. Although still rare, the number of reported cases of people sick from Powassan virus has increased in recent years.

Most people exposed to Powassan virus never feel ill, but others may become severely ill with meningitis (inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

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

Signs and symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, speech difficulties and seizures.

To prevent contracting the virus, residents are asked to take steps to prevent tick bites. Here are some tips from the Mass Department of Public Health.

When you are outside in an area likely to have ticks such as brush, wooded or grassy places, 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.