Death, 3 Hospitalizations Now Confirmed In Wisconsin From Virus Transmitted By Ticks

Now is the time when everyone in Wisconsin needs to check themselves regularly for blacklegged ticks (also known as deer ticks), lone star ticks, and wood ticks (also known as American dog ticks) for over half the year.

According to the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, ticks in Wisconsin are typically most active in the summer months, with the season continuing well into the fall due to warmer temperatures and milder winters.

Checking for ticks is crucial due to the threat of tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne disease, which is a potentially serious bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected deer tick.

However, there's another, more serious threat called the Powassan virus that has been on the rise since it was first identified in Wisconsin in 2003. Tragically, it recently caused one confirmed death and 2 hospitalizations in the state.

Confirmed Death, Hospitalizations This Year From Powassan Virus In Wisconsin

Like Lyme disease, Powassan virus is spread by the blacklegged tick (deer tick), along with groundhog ticks and squirrel ticks, but these latter two rarely bite humans.

However, while Lyme disease can usually be treated with antibiotics, the Powassan virus disease has no specific treatment or vaccine available, and while cases are rare, about 10% of people with severe Powassan virus disease die.

Furthermore, about half of survivors will experience long-term neurological problems, including memory problems, recurring headaches, and loss of muscle mass and strength.

This year, the disease has already led to one death and three hospitalizations in Wisconsin. The Bayfield County Health Department has confirmed that a patient from northern Wisconsin had died from the Powassan virus in early June.

Due to privacy laws, the age of the patient was not disclosed. Health officials have previously stated that factors for neurologic disease from the Powassan virus include those with compromised immune systems, as well as children and older adults.

The incubation period (time between tick bite and symptom onset) is typically 1 to 4 weeks. Initially, many people may show no symptoms or only mild symptoms, but the CDC says that once symptoms arrive, they could include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, speech difficulties, and seizures.

Severe cases of Powassan virus can lead to Powassan encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord), which can lead to neurological damage and, in some cases, death.

If you suspect you have Powassan virus symptoms, seek immediate medical attention, as early diagnosis and supportive care are crucial.

Preventing Tick Bites

The most important thing you can do is take steps to protect yourself from tick bites. A key is knowing where deer ticks are most likely to be found. Health officials say that disease-spreading deer ticks are found in wooded or brushy areas, while American dog ticks (wood ticks) are found in grassy, more open habitats and woods.

If you're going to be outside in these areas, cover exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, long pants, and tall socks. Wearing light colored clothing also makes ticks easier to spot.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says you should be using a tick repellent that contains one of these:

• 20–30%  DEET. Do not use DEET for infants under two months of age.
• 10–20% Picaridin. Products containing permethrin, used on clothing and gear, are especially recommended for people who spend a lot of time in wooded areas. However, never use permethrin on your skin
• 15–20% IR3535
• 30–40% oil of lemon eucalyptus

You can also create tick-safe zones by doing the following:

• Clear tall grass, brush, and leaf litter from the yard or trails.
• Use wood chips or gravel as a barrier between lawns and wooded areas. Use it around patios and play equipment. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends a three-foot-wide barrier to prevent ticks from entering recreational areas.
• Mow your lawn often. Remove cut grass and leaves.
• Keep tables, swing sets, and other play equipment away from woods, shrubs, and tall grass. Place in a sunny location, if possible.
• Don’t feed deer. They often carry ticks into the yard. Build barriers to keep deer from coming into the yard.
• Remove woodpiles. If you must stack wood, place it neatly in dry areas away from houses. This will lower the number of rodents in the area. Rodents can bring ticks into the yard. Rodents also spread disease to ticks.

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Check For Ticks Frequently

Health officials say you should be checking for ticks at least once a day, but ticks can spread the Powassan virus a lot faster than Lyme disease.

Important things to keep in mind:

• Ticks must remain attached for one to two days before they can transmit the Lyme disease bacteria. However, the ticks can transmit the Powassan virus in as little as 15 minutes after attachment to a person.
• Bathe or shower after coming indoors to wash off and more easily find ticks that may be crawling on or attached to you.
• Search your entire body closely, especially hard-to-see areas (behind knees, groin area, and armpits).
• Ticks may look like a speck of dirt or a freckle on skin, so use a family member or a mirror to help you find them.
• If you find a tick on yourself, remove the tick as soon as possible.

Safely Removing Ticks Found On Your Body

If you do find a tick on yourself or a loved one, removing it as quickly as possible is very important, as it lowers your risk of tick-borne disease transmission.

• Use a pair of tweezers or your fingers to grasp the tick by the head, close to the skin. Pull the tick outward slowly, gently, and steadily.
• Clean the area with soap and water.
• Health officials warn against avoiding 'folk remedies' like Vaseline®, nail polish remover, or burning matches because they are not a safe or effective way to remove ticks.

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