Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Powassan virus alert!

One case of this has just been confirmed in Cayuga County, NY in Central NY. It is a very rare but very serious tick-borne virus. Don't panic; take precautions. Stay off of brushy trails. Use insect sprays, wear long pants and long sleeves. Get out of your boots at the end of your outing. Wash your clothes in hot water when you get home. Dry them at high temps. 
This has worked for me for more than 20 years and I'm still here! Despite my constant exposure outdoors almost daily. Stay safe out there!!!
Powassan virus is a tickborne flavivirus that is related to some mosquitoborne viruses such as West Nile virus. The virus is named after Powassan, Ontario where it was first discovered in 1958. Two types of Powassan virus have been found in North America and include lineage 1 and lineage 2Powassan viruses.

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