Have you ever wondered how much trouble a small animal like a tick can cause? Some ticks can transmit various diseases to us. Today we are going to talk about a virus that is transmitted by such ticks, which is a little rare but can be dangerous. This is the Powassan Virus.
What is this Powassan Virus?
Simply put, Powassan virus is a virus that can enter our bodies through a tick bite. Most people who are infected with this virus do not show any symptoms. However, sometimes it can cause a condition called Powassan Virus Encephalitis . Encephalitis is swelling of the brain. This can cause permanent neurological damage such as memory problems, paralysis, and in some cases, even death.
This virus is named "Pawasan" after the area of "Pawasan" in the province of Ontario, Canada, because this disease was first identified there in 1958.
How common is this?
In fact, the coronavirus is a very rare disease . For example, in the United States, only a small number of cases, about 200, have been reported since 2012. So there is nothing to be unnecessarily afraid of, but it is very important to be aware.
Are the coronavirus and Lyme disease the same thing?
Yes, these are two different diseases. However, Lyme disease and Lyme virus are both transmitted by the same type of tick. However, Lyme disease is a bacterial disease and is slightly more common than Lyme virus. Lyme disease is a condition caused by a virus.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
There are several symptoms that can occur after contracting the coronavirus. Not everyone will experience all of these symptoms, and some people may not have any symptoms at all. However, if symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Fever
- Headache (headache)
- Vomiting
- Feeling very tired (Fatigue)
- Confusion or altered mental state
- Seizures
- Difficulty speaking
- Paralysis
Usually, common symptoms like fever and headache come first, followed by more serious symptoms like confusion and shock.
How long does it take for symptoms to appear after this virus is transmitted? (Incubation Period)
We call this the ``Incubation Period`` of the virus. That is, the time it takes from the time you are bitten by an infected tick to the time symptoms appear. In the case of the virus, this period can be from a week to a month . That is, even if you are bitten by a tick, it may take about a month for the disease to appear.
What causes the coronavirus disease?
Viral infections are caused by a type of virus called Flavivirus. These are RNA viruses that are usually transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks. You may have heard of Dengue fever, West Nile virus, and Zika infections. The viruses that cause those diseases also belong to the same family of Flaviviruses.
How does the virus spread?
The virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected Ixodes tick . However, the blacklegged or deer tick, Ixodes scapularis, is the one that is most likely to transmit the virus to humans. Ixodes cookei (groundhog tick) and Ixodes marxi (squirrel tick) also carry the virus, but they bite humans much less often.
The important thing is that, unlike some other tick-borne diseases, the tick can stay on your body for several minutes before injecting the virus into your body. So you have to be very careful.
Where is this virus most commonly found?
The highest number of cases of coronavirus infections are reported in parts of Russia, the northeastern United States, and the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada. The highest number of cases have been reported in states such as Massachusetts, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and New York. This disease has not been reported in Sri Lanka yet, but it is important to be aware of such diseases.
What are the complications of coronavirus?
When a tick bites you, the virus can enter your brain through the skin. This is what causes the encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, that we talked about earlier. Even if you recover from this condition, some people can have long-term health problems.
How to diagnose the coronavirus disease?
A doctor can diagnose a viral infection by taking a blood test or examining your spinal fluid . If you have any of these symptoms, your doctor may suspect:
- Having symptoms of Powassan virus encephalitis.
- If you live in or have traveled to an area where the virus is spreading.
- If you suspect you may have been bitten by a tick (even if you don't remember it).
What are the diagnostic tests?
Your doctor may order tests like these to diagnose the virus:
- Blood tests .
- Spinal tap / Lumbar Puncture . This involves taking and examining spinal fluid.
- Imaging tests . If you have symptoms related to the nervous system, your doctor may order a CT scan (Computed Tomography scans) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to take pictures of your brain.
How is the coronavirus treated?
Unfortunately, there are no specific antiviral medications to treat parvovirus infections. If you have a serious condition like encephalitis, you will be hospitalized and treated. If your symptoms are not severe, your doctor will advise you on how to manage your symptoms at home. During this time, you will be advised to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take painkillers as prescribed by your doctor.
Specific medications and treatments
If your condition is serious, the following treatments may be given at the hospital:
- Antiseizure medications .
- If breathing is difficult , supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation may be used .
- Administering intravenous (IV) fluids to maintain body fluid levels.
- Corticosteroids reduce brain swelling.
- If you are unable to eat on your own, tube feeding may be used .
Will the virus heal on its own?
Mild symptoms of Powassan virus disease often resolve on their own . However, if you have a serious complication, such as Powassan virus encephalitis, you will need to be monitored in the hospital. You may need different treatments, such as to help you breathe and reduce swelling.
What will the future be like if the virus spreads?
Even after recovering from the virus, about half of people who have had serious illnesses, including Powassan virus encephalitis, may develop long-term health problems . These include:
- Loss of consciousness on one side of the face (Hemiplegia) .
- Memory problems .
- Weakness .
- Muscle wasting .
What is the death rate from the coronavirus?
About 10% of people who develop an infection of the brain or spinal cord (such as encephalitis) caused by the coronavirus die . However, no deaths have been reported from coronavirus infections that only had mild symptoms.
When should you see a doctor?
You should see a doctor in this situation:
- If you have been bitten by a tick , your doctor can tell you whether you need treatment for other tick-borne diseases, even though there is no preventive treatment for the virus.
- If you have been in an area where ticks may be present (even if you don't remember being bitten by a tick) and you have symptoms of the virus .
When do you need to go to an emergency room?
If you have any of these serious symptoms, go to the nearest emergency room immediately:
- Confusion or other mental changes .
- Seizures .
- Difficulty speaking .
- Paralysis .
What questions should I ask my doctor?
When you see a doctor, it may be helpful to ask questions like these:
- How should I take care of myself at home?
- What new or worsening symptoms should I watch for?
- How quickly will I get better?
- When should I come see you again?
Can you protect yourself from the coronavirus?
Yes, the best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to avoid ticks as much as possible . Here are some things you can do to protect yourself from ticks:
- Keep the grass in your garden cut no longer than 5 inches.
- If walking in forested areas, only walk on cleared trails.
- Use bug sprays that contain ingredients like DEET , which are proven to repel ticks.
- When going to forested areas or places with tall grass, wear clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. If you are often in areas where ticks are present, you can also buy special tick-resistant clothing.
- Check your entire body for ticks after you've been outside. Especially in places like the groin, armpits, neck, and head, where they like to hang out. If possible, have someone else check areas you can't see (like your back and scalp).
- Ask your veterinarian about the best way to protect your pets from ticks. Always check for ticks after they come home from the outdoors.
- If you see a tick on your body, follow the exact procedure for safely removing it .
Final Take-Home Message
You may be scared of ticks these days because you hear so much about them. However, the diseases they carry can cause serious complications, so it's worth staying away from them as much as possible. If you're someone who regularly spends time in areas where ticks are likely to be present, it's important to know how to protect yourself from ticks and how to safely remove them if you find one .
However, remember that coronavirus infections are very rare , and experts believe that most people who get the virus will only experience mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all.
If you get bitten by a tick, don't panic. Talk to a doctor and be aware of the symptoms. Although there is no specific treatment for the virus, being aware of the serious symptoms will help you get help quickly if you need it. Stay healthy!
` Powassan Virus, ticks, tick-borne illness, encephalitis, viral infections, disease prevention, neurological diseases
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