Ticks Now Carry a New Virus As we all know, ticks are carriers for illnesses such as Lyme disease. This was discovered in Connecticut in the 1970’s. Roughly 20,000 people contract Lyme disease every year. However, the tick carries many other nasty diseases as well. They carry diseases such as Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis, Relapsing Fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, (first identified in 1896) Tularemia and STARI, otherwise known as Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness. This disease has a bull’s-eye rash similar to that of Lyme disease. Recently, scientists have found ticks are carrying a new virus that can be deadly. This new virus is called ‘Powassan’. This virus infects the central nervous system causing similar symptoms to that of Lyme disease. It is more severe in most cases causing seizures, high fever, stiff neck, and muscle pain, possibly even death since there is no cure. Once bitten by these little critters, symptoms will start to show up within an hour or so. The individual who was bitten is also more likely to become susceptible to neurological damage due to the swelling of the brain. This can lead to Encephalitis and Meningitis. Luckily, only about 10% of the cases have led to death. Fortunately, there are only 50 cases of Powassan reported in the United States each year. According to the research of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, they have found some cases in the Bridgeport and Bandford areas. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says there have also been cases reported in the Great Lakes area. So one can never be too careful, especially when it comes to loved ones. So here are a few tips to help you stay safe while out enjoying the beauty that nature has to offer. Always carry and use bug spray, making sure it has a tick repellant in it. Wearing long sleeves and long pants while in tall grass and wooded areas, will help as well. Also, when you and your family have been out hiking and exploring the woods or high grass, always do a thorough check of yourself, your spouse, children and pets. Pets are just as susceptible as people if not more. Another little tip is when camping, do a nightly check of everyone before you go to bed. So don’t stop doing the things you love for fear of coming in contact with one of these nasty little critters. Just be sure to take the proper precautions so that you can enjoy your time in the great outdoors. Researched by: Carrie Nicholas
