(Poughkeepsie, NY) -- A case of Powassan Virus has been confirmed in Dutchess County.
The virus is a rare but potentially fatal tick-borne disease. According to the Dutchess County Department of Community Health, the resident contracted the virus in the late spring and is recovering at home. The agency is urging residents to continue to take steps to prevent tick bites. Over the last nine years there have been 7 cases of Powassan virus reported in Dutchess County.
The following information is from the U.S. Centers For Disease Control. “Signs and symptoms of infection can include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, seizures, and memory loss. Long-term neurologic problems may occur. There is no specific treatment, but people with severe POW virus illnesses often need to be hospitalized to receive respiratory support, intravenous fluids, or medications to reduce swelling in the brain.
You can reduce your risk of being infected with POW virus by using tick repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants, avoiding bushy and wooded areas, and doing thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors. If you think you or a family member may have POW virus disease, it is important to consult your healthcare provider.”
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