3rd Case of Potentially Fatal Brain Swelling Tick-Spread Virus Found Near Hudson Valley
After one person died from an incurable tick-spread virus, two more cases were reported just outside the Hudson Valley.
Last month, a Saratoga County man died after contracting the Powassan virus from a tick. Soon after, another Saratoga County resident was hospitalized with the rare tick-spread virus and it’s believed a third person was infected, according to the state health department, reports the Times Union.
The Powassan virus is spread by the same deer tick that carries Lyme disease. Powassan, which in some cases has been fatal, attacks the nervous system and can cause dangerous brain swelling.
Other symptoms can include vomiting, weakness, confusion, seizures and memory loss.
There is currently no treatment for the virus, which according to the CDC kills around 10% of people who become sick. Half are left with permanent neurological problems.
To decrease your risk of being infected with the Powassan virus the CDC recommends using tick repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants, avoiding bushy and wooded areas and doing thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors.
Here are this week's Top 5 news stories from the Hudson Valley