Tick-borne threat growing

A rare, but potentially deadly tick-borne illness, is making headlines in Wisconsin, after health officials confirmed recent cases of Powassan virus. The virus, transmitted by the same blacklegged tick that spreads Lyme disease, has clinicians on alert and public health experts urging vigilance. Powassan virus is part of the flavivirus family, a group of viruses that includes more familiar names like West Nile, Zika and Dengue. Unlike its mosquito-borne cousins, Powassan is transmitted exclusively by the Ixodes scapularis or blacklegged tick. These ticks are known carriers of multiple pathogens and once transmitted, the virus can move rapidly through the bloodstream to the brain, causing viral encephalitis, a dangerous swelling of the brain that may result in longterm neurological damage or even death. “Fevers and headaches, malaise, not eating, not drinking, not communicating, so, basically, brain on fire symptoms, we would call it,” said Dr. James Thatcher, physician. Unlike Lyme disease, which can often be treated with antibiotics, Powassan virus has no widely recognized cure. It attacks the nervous system and can lead to viral encephalitis, inflammation of the brain, which can be fatal or result in long-term neurological issues. “Classically, the early Lyme arthritis is going to be joint pain, migratory joint pain,” said Thatcher. “You may or may not get that with viral encephalitis. Because, it is mostly going to be more internal suffering, less physical suffering, but neurological Lyme disease can look a lot like Powassan infection.” Although the virus remains rare, its severity is alarming. According to reports from state health officials, three adults in Wisconsin, have been hospitalized with the virus this summer, and one person has died. Young children, the elderly, immunocompromised and people living alone, are especially vulnerable. “We can’t live our lives in fear,” said Thatcher. “People die of Rocky Mountain spotted fever every year, with or without the rash. My biggest concern with viral encephalitis, is dehydration. Because, if you’re not drinking and you’re not nourishing yourself, you start to fall behind an infection.” Thatcher emphasizes that early prevention is key. While chemicals like DEET, Permethrin and Picaridin remain effective tick repellents, there are natural alternatives, such as cedarwood oil, lemongrass, thyme and cloves, which also deter other busg. “You know, the mosquitoes that bring us those viral illnesses, the biting flies that bring us Bartonella and some other things, that maybe are worse than Lyme disease,” said Thatcher. “So, we got to protect ourselves from all bugs.” The Powassan virus can incubate quickly, and testing is limited. That’s why it’s recommended to act fast after a tick bite and stay in contact with loved ones, if feeling ill. If someone has been bitten by a tick and develops symptoms like fever, severe headache or confusion, seek medical care immediately.