Sunday, September 3, 2017

Serious Tick-Borne Disease Confirmed in Saratoga County


 
By Paul Post

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Ticks testing positive for the potentially deadly Powassan virus have been found at five locations in Saratoga County, including two sites within Saratoga Spa State Park.

The family of late Gansevoort resident, Charles Smith, says he died from the disease, and the state Health Department has confirmed two other cases involving Saratoga County residents this summer.

In addition to Spa State Park, ticks carrying Powassan were found recently at Saratoga National Historical Park, the 100 Acre Woods Trail in Malta, and a private residence whose location the Health Department refused to identify.

“Powassan is not a new disease,” said Bryon Backenson, Health Department epidemiologist. “There have been 26 cases in New York state since 2000. It doesn’t mean we’re going to have more cases the following year. This may be just a blip. Hopefully it is.”

But the three Saratoga County infections are the only ones confirmed in New York this year.

Powassan is a rare viral disease whose effects range from mild flu-like symptoms to life-threatening encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain.

Much like the common cold, there is no cure, but doctors treat symptoms while the victim’s immune system fights the disease off, Backenson said.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: http://www.troyrecord.com (via The Empire Report)

No comments: