Maine people and visitors urged to take precautions against tick and mosquito bites
AUGUSTA-- The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) announced the first human case of Powassan virus infection and the first wild bird case of West Nile virus (WNV) infection this year. An adult resident of Hancock County infected with Powassan virus developed neurologic symptoms and was hospitalized. The crow with WNV was discovered in York County.
Powassan virus infection is a rare, but sometimes fatal, tickborne disease and can spread from ticks to people in as little as 15 minutes after a bite from an infected deer or woodchuck tick.
Many people infected with Powassan or West Nile do not get sick. Others experience fever and flu-like illness. Severe symptoms can occur, including seizures, memory loss, or brain or spinal cord inflammation.
About 10 percent of people with severe Powassan disease die. Many survivors of severe disease have long-term symptoms like recurring headaches, loss of muscle mass and strength, or memory problems.
Mosquitoes in Maine can spread West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Jamestown Canyon virus. The Maine CDC tests wild birds during mosquito season to assess whether these viruses are circulating in the state before they spread to people or domestic animals.
Treatment for both Powassan and WNV is supportive, aimed at managing symptoms and complications. If you experience these symptoms, call a health care provider or seek medical attention.
The best protection against all tick and mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent bites. The Maine CDC recommends taking these precautions when going outside:
- Know when you are in tick or mosquito habitat and take extra steps to protect yourself.
- Take extra precautions at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear light-colored clothing that covers the arms and legs. Tuck pants into socks.
- Use an EPA-approved repellent. This includes DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Use permethrin on clothing.
- Check for ticks daily and after any outdoor activity. Check family members and pets, too.
- Drain artificial sources of standing water around the yard, where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
- Ask a veterinarian about protecting pets and livestock from ticks and mosquitoes.