The man died from a tick bite. A rare case in the United States

On Wednesday, the CDC announced that a resident of Waldo County in south-central Maine He died of a Poisan virus infection. The pathogen is spread by tick bites of the species Ixodes scapularis, Ixodes cookei, and Ixodes marxi.

Poisan virus It is very rare. Since 2015, in the United States, only 25 cases of infection are detected annually, and in previous years, there were even fewer (about 10 cases per year). Cases mostly, according to the CDC In the land of the great lakes On the US-Canadian border from late spring to mid-autumn.

It is interesting that the infection with the Poisan virus In many cases, it is asymptomatic. In people who do have these symptoms, they can worsen quickly and can be life-threatening. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, and weakness.

in some people Encephalitis may occur or meningitis. The consequences of these conditions can be serious, including confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, and seizures. The CDC estimates that one in ten people with severe disease dies. Such was the case with a Maine patient who was hospitalized due to a tick bite.

There are no ways Treating Poisan Virus Infections. People who are very ill usually need to be hospitalized and receive oxygen, water and anti-inflammatory medications. The best way to prevent Poisan virus infection is to Avoid ticks.

The increase in the number of Puasan virus cases in the United States in recent years is likely due to Expanded tick-borne incidence. At the moment, the virus is only found in North America. There is no epidemic risk in Poland.