Essential Things to Know About the Powassan Virus in Westchester County, NY

Based in New Rochelle, NY an serving Westchester County, Mosquito Corp offers tick control treatment and tick spraying services in  to mitigate the risk of you an your family contracting tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease an the Powassan virus. The Powassan virus is a rare but serious tick-borne virus that can cause severe neurological illness in humans. Here are three essential things to know about it:

1. Transmission and Ticks Involved:

  • Vector: The Powassan virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. The most common tick species involved in transmitting the virus are the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) and the groundhog tick (Ixodes cookei).

  • Transmission Time: Unlike Lyme disease, which generally requires the tick to be attached for 24-48 hours, the Powassan virus can be transmitted within 15 minutes of the tick attaching.

2. Symptoms and Severity:

  • Initial Symptoms: Symptoms of Powassan virus infection can appear from 1 week to 1 month after a tick bite. Early symptoms often include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, and confusion.

  • Severe Symptoms: The virus can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord). Severe symptoms may include seizures, memory loss, and long-term neurological problems.

  • Mortality Rate: Approximately 10% of people with severe Powassan virus infection die from the illness, and about 50% of survivors experience long-term health problems.

3. Tick Prevention and Protection in Westchester County, NY:

  • Tick Avoidance: The best way to prevent Powassan virus infection is to avoid tick bites. This includes using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and performing thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors.

  • Tick Control: Hiring Mosquito Corp to manage tick populations in your yard and surrounding areas can reduce the risk of infection. This may involve using tick control treatments and maintaining your landscape to make it less attractive to ticks.

  • Prompt Tick Removal: If a tick is found attached to the skin, it should be removed promptly using fine-tipped tweezers to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Professional  Tick Control services in Westchester County by Mosquito Corp can effectively protect your family from Lyme disease an Powassan virus. Contact Mosquito Corp today to learn more about our mosquito treatment methods and any additional costs. You can reach us at 914.222.4154 to schedule a no-cost consultation.  You can click the following link to view our 5-star online reviews.