Powassan Virus: After Corona, This Virus Spread, 1 Death In America Due To Powassan Virus, Know Its Symptoms And Prevention From Experts
Posted 20 Jun 2023 | Source: Source: https://www.thehealthsite.com/
Doctors and other experts of the CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) are asking people to be safe from this new virus. Know the symptoms and preventive measures of this infection.
The world was slowly coming out of the effect of the Corona epidemic that now the danger of a new epidemic has arisen. The name of this new disease is being described as Powassan virus infection. Recently a person died in America due to infection with this virus. Although it is a rare type of infection, but its treatment (untreatable disease) has not yet been discovered, due to which this virus spreading slowly has increased the concern of the people. Dr. Swati Rajagopal (Consultant - Infectious Disease & Travel Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore)is giving information about this virus. Who told how the symptoms appear on Powassan virus infection and what are the preventive measures.
What is the Powassan virus and how it spread
Dr. Swati Rajagopal says that, as reported by the CDC, Powassan virus is transmitted through the bite of an insect called an infected tick. When the tick sucks the blood of an infected rat, mole, squirrel or any other infected organism, then these viruses are transferred to its body as well and this infection has reached humans as well through this vaccine.
In a recent research, it was revealed that Powassan virus does not spread easily from one person to another. But, when the blood of an infected person is transfused to another person, the risk of infection increases. That is why, it is advised by the doctors that the infected person should avoid donating blood or donating bone marrow for about 120 days.
What are the symptoms of Powassan virus infection?
Most people infected with Powassan virus do not show symptoms of infection. However, a week after the tick bite or in the next 1 month, such symptoms may appear-
- Fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Severe Brain and Spine diseases like Encephalitis and Meningitis
- Confusion
- difficulties with communication or coordination
- epileptic seizures
According to the statistics so far, 1 out of 10 people infected with Powassan virus has died. Whereas, after recovering from this infection, serious problems related to the brain were seen in about 50 percent of the people. At the same time, problems related to the spinal cord were also seen. Along with this, recurring headaches, loss of muscle mass and strength and memory problems were also seen in patients.
How can you prevent yourself from the Powassan virus ?
At present, there is no vaccine or medicine available to prevent this virus. Therefore, avoiding coming in contact with this virus is the best way to prevent this disease. Follow these measures to avoid Powassan virus-
- Avoid living near grasslands, bushes or places where ticks live.
- After coming from outside, check your clothes to see if ticks have stuck on them. Wash clothes in hot water and wear clothes only after ironing.
- Take care of the cleanliness of the pets in the house and get them treated if they are vaccinated.
- take a shower after coming home from outside
- Get full body checkup done
- Contact your doctor if any symptoms appear.
