New Jersey Officials are now alerted by the death of a Warren County woman two years ago caused by a rare tick-borne illness, following the current rise of the Powassan virus in New Jersey.
There seems to be a shift in the reach of the virus as its cases previously occurred in the Northeast and Great Lake regions. Tadgh Rainey, Hunterdon County Public Health Division director admits that it appears the tick-borne virus is now in Northwest New Jersey.
In 2013, New Jersey Department of Health confirmed the first case of a rare tick-borne disease that killed the Warren County woman. She had shown the usual symptoms of Powassan virus including fever, headache and a rash.
These symptoms can be compared to Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that could also be acquired through tick-bites.
Powassan virus is similar to Lyme disease but its effects could be permanent in severe cases. Patients could undergo confusion or seizures and have neurologic deficit such as encephalitis. It can also cause death as there is no known treatment for it yet. Unlike Lyme disease, Powassan virus is transmitted within an hour after a tick-bite and the host carrying the virus does not need to be attached for a very long time.
The tick-borne disease is still rare, with approximately 60 documented cases in the past 10 years.
Powassan virus is more active during the spring, summer, and mid-fall. During these seasons, people are advised to take extra precautions when outdoors. It is best to stay away from tick-infested areas and use tick repellants or wear long pants and long sleeves to avoid tick bites. When at home, constantly check for tick bites especially after spending the day outside the house. The use of bug sprays is also recommended.
"I never want to make anyone scared but it's important to be vigilant," said Rainey. "A lot of these viruses get introduced and it takes a little while to take hold."
Powassan cases are rare but ticks hosting the virus are currently on the rise, alarming officials in New Jersey after a Warren County woman was killed by a rare tick-born virus two years ago was confirmed. Powassan is frequently compared to Lyme disease, but its effects are dangerous. It still has no known treatment and can cause death.
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