The deadly virus, Powassan, has been seen in the news lately. Each year the cases are becoming more prevalent. It is unknown whether the prevalence is due to the fact that the virus among the tick population has grown or if medically doctors finally have enough knowledge to analyze symptoms and diagnose the condition. This concerns us here at Balance of Nature Inc. We are out in the field every day. We believe it is important to raise awareness, and provide knowledge to the public about every aspect of Wildlife control, anything from preventing squirrels from chewing your electrical wiring in your home, to protecting your family and your home from viruses and diseases.

Ticks are known mostly for spreading Lyme disease, however, the Powassan virus is much more dangerous than Lyme disease. A woman in Warren County New Jersey contracted the virus in 2013 which resulted in death. Scientists predict an increase in infected population due to the mild winters. More recently a five-month-old boy was infected with Powassan in Connecticut. The boy is now almost one year old and still slowly recovering. He experienced high fever and severe seizures. As a result of the infection, he has scarring on his brain and has become left side dominate due to neurological damage.

Here are the facts

Powassan, commonly referred to as POW, is named after its’ origin place in Ontario after a child died from the virus in 1958. It is transmitted to humans from a tick bite in just a matter of 15 minutes. It is carried by multiple tick species, including the black legged deer tick and the woodchuck tick. The POW virus causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord causing encephalitis and meningitis damaging the central nervous system.

Signs and Symptoms
In many cases those infected do not develop symptoms, and symptoms may not arise for up to a month after the virus is contracted. When symptoms do appear, a fever followed by weakness, vomiting and nausea are most frequently prevalent. Unfortunately, these symptoms can be found with many conditions; however, the tick bite is key. As time passes additional symptoms to look for are confusion, seizures, memory loss and other neurological problems such as speech difficulties and loss of coordination according to the Center for Disease Control.

Preventative Treatment
InThese insects are not just invasive of our yards, but can be detrimental to our health and the health of our children. Unfortunately, in regards to treatment, there is nothing medically available to prevent or treat Powassan virus once it is contracted. This is why it is important to take preventative measures to protect your family.
No one wants to spend their summer months indoors rather than enjoying the weather so we suggest these preventative measures to be the most effective.

• Having your property treated by a professional for tick control, with top grade chemicals, and on a monthly basis.
• Keeping up on your property by mowing your lawn, trimming overgrown bushy areas, weeding flower beds and gardens, and removing piles of leaf litter.
• Avoid heavily wooded areas.
• Use a strong bug spray.
• Wear protective clothing; long pants, socks and closed toe shoes.
• Conduct full body tick checks frequently.

In Case of a tick bite
• Remove the tick with tweezers and disinfect the area.
• Save the tick and place in plastic bag for testing if need be.
• Carefully watch the bite area, looking for severely irritated or swollen skin.
• Observe for symptoms over the next month.

Remember ticks thrive in moist areas. They love grassy areas, and untrimmed brush that is not maintained. Contact your local Pest Management service and have your yard treated for tick control. Central and South New Jersey Residents please give us a call here at Balance Of Nature Inc. for all your Pest Management needs. 609-294-1729

Sources

The Center for Disease Control
https://www.cdc.gov/powassan/
NBC NEWS
http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/health-officials-warn-of-deadly-powassan-virus-939132483586
TIME
http://time.com/4767290/powassan-virus-ticks/