(New York, NY) -- Health officials are warning local residents to be on the alert for a sometimes deadly disease carried by ticks.
Powassan is spread by the same tick that carries Lyme disease. Powassan attacks the nervous system, affecting memory and balance. Multiple cases of the virus have been identified in New York over the last several years.
There is no cure for Powassan so authorities say that is why it is so important to prevent a tick bite in the first place. Officials are warning residents to be sure to wear insect repellent whenever going into areas with woods or high grass.
People Magazine published a good article on the tick virus:
http://people.com/bodies/ticks-lyme-disease-powassan-virus/?preview_id=5733651.
Photo: flickr, Martin Jambon