The recent tragic death of an individual who contracted the Powassan virus in Canada has prompted Maryland state health officials to initiate a comprehensive informational campaign aimed at raising awareness of tickborne diseases and prevention measures.
According to Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services, Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman, the individual succumbed to the rare Powassan virus after returning to Maryland from Canada. In a statement released on Friday, Dr. Kalyanaraman expressed deep sorrow, saying, “We are very saddened to report the first death due to the Powassan virus in our state. Powassan is very rare, and this is the first-ever case recorded in Maryland.”
Despite this unfortunate fatality, the Maryland Department of Health emphasizes that the case does not pose any immediate threat of local transmission within the state.
The Powassan virus, named after Powassan, Ontario, where it was initially discovered in the late 1950s, is an infrequent but serious tickborne illness. Cases primarily occur in the Northeast and around the Great Lakes region in the United States, as well as in Eastern Canadian provinces.
Symptoms of the Powassan virus typically begin with fever, headaches, and weakness, although many infected individuals remain asymptomatic. Severe cases can lead to infections of the brain, brain membranes, or the spinal cord, accompanied by symptoms such as confusion, loss of coordination, and seizures. It is worth noting that there are currently no specific medications available to prevent or treat Powassan virus infections.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately one out of every ten individuals with severe cases of the virus ultimately succumbs to it, and many survivors continue to grapple with long-term health complications.
From 2004 to 2022, the CDC recorded 288 human cases of Powassan, with 264 requiring hospitalization. Furthermore, while Powassan remains rare, there has been a noticeable increase in reported cases in recent years. Additionally, ticks carrying Powassan have the potential to transmit other diseases to humans, such as Lyme disease.
In light of these developments, the Maryland Department of Health urges the public to take precautions when in tick-prone areas, such as places with high grass and leaf litter. Individuals are advised to wear long-sleeved clothing and pants when venturing into these environments.
After outdoor activities in tick habitats, individuals are encouraged to conduct a thorough body check to ensure they have not picked up a tick. Special attention should be given to areas where ticks typically hide, including under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, back of the knees, in and around the hair, between the legs, and around the waist.
The informational campaign aims to educate the public about the risks associated with tickborne diseases and promote preventative measures to safeguard health and well-being.
