Maine health officials have reported the first death this year from a case of the Powassan virus in a Sagadahoc County resident, saying the adult who died developed neurological symptoms, they said Fox News Friday.
The case was also confirmed by the state Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The resident was pronounced dead after contracting the virus.
Powassan cases are very rare in the US with 25 cases reported each year as of 2015. Maine also identified 15 other cases, including four new cases last year.
Those who become infected show no symptoms. However, for those who do show symptoms, the time from being bitten to feeling unwell can range from a week to a month, which includes fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, seizures or memory loss, and some people may experience serious neurological problems, such as inflammation of the brain or spinal cord.
Since 2015, this is the third fatality reported by Powassan in the state.
The virus is transmitted when humans are bitten by an infected deer tick or forest tick. These ticks are active when the temperature is above freezing, but are reported to be more active during the spring, summer, and fall seasons.
About 10% of those with severe disease die.
Ticks are found in brushy and leafy areas and are present in all 16 counties of Maine.
The department said they are currently active, so anyone spending time outdoors should take steps to limit their exposure to ticks.
The department also said: “People should make sure they take precautions in areas where ticks may live, including wearing light-colored clothing, covering arms and legs, tucking pants into socks, using EPA-approved repellent and checking for ticks daily and after any outdoor activity.”
Officials also suggested people “take off their clothes when they get home and put them in the dryer before washing, using high heat for 10-15 minutes to kill any crawling ticks.”
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