An untreatable tick-borne virus was recently discovered in Connecticut, according to CT Now. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the Powassan virus is a strain related to West Nile that can be passed to people by infected ticks.
Doctors said that the virus produces symptoms similar to Lyme disease. The Powassan virus leads to symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, headache and fever.
Theodore Andreadis, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station director, said that the virus can infect the central nervous system, leading to neurological problems, encephalitis and meningitis.
According to Andreadis, the Powassan virus can be transmitted from a tick to a human in 15 minutes, whereas Lyme disease can take 24 to 48 hours to pass on. He revealed that if the virus is contracted, there is no cure for the condition and the disease can be potentially fatal.
At present, there have been no reported cases of the virus in people in Connecticut. However, Powassan virus has been found in ticks in Branford and Bridgeport. Andreadis said that those who venture into wooded areas may pick up the virus.
Over the past few years, about 60 cases of Powassan virus were reported in the United States. The vast majority of the cases have occurred in Great Lakes region and the Northeast. While there is no particular treatment, people who develop serious illness due to the Powassan virus need to be admitted to hospital to get intravenous fluids, respiratory support and medications to decrease brain swelling.
According to Uncover Michigan, researchers will increase the level of surveillance in the areas that are affected.