EASTERN ONTARIO HEALTH UNIT ISSUES NOTICE OF TWO TICKS TESTING POSITIVE FOR POWASSAN VIRUS IN EOHU REGION

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) has identified two blacklegged ticks that have tested positive for the Powassan virus in the EOHU region. The EOHU is reminding residents within the region that ticks stay active late into the fall season. To date, there have been no cases of Powassan virus in humans within the area.

 

Ticks have the potential to spread other diseases, such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and babesiosis. While Lyme, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis can be successfully treated with medication, there is currently no treatment for Powassan virus. 

 

Transmission of the Powassan virus via tick bite is rare, however, it can be severe for individuals if it does occur. Most people who contract Powassan virus develop either very mild, flu-like symptoms or no symptoms at all. Symptoms can, however, include fever, seizures, vomiting, weakness, confusion, headache, and memory loss. Powassan virus has the potential to cause serious health problems, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord).

 

Taking the following measures when outdoors will help prevent tick bites:

• Wear light-coloured clothing. It makes ticks easier to spot.
• Wear closed footwear, socks, a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Tuck your shirt into your pants, and tuck your pants into your socks.
• Use an insect repellent that has DEET or Icaridin on clothes and exposed skin (be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s directions).
• Walk in the centre of cleared paths or trails.
• Keep children and pets from wandering off paths.Search your clothes and body for ticks after being outdoors, especially if you were in an area where there’s tall grass or shrubs, or where ticks are known to live. Pay special attention to areas like the groin, navel, armpits, scalp and behind the ears and knees.
• Take a shower as soon as you can after being outdoors to more easily find and wash off any ticks crawling on you.
• Ticks thrive in wet environments. Before washing outdoor clothes, put them in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill any ticks.

 

If you’ve been bitten by a tick, contact your healthcare provider if you’ve found a tick that’s been attached to the skin for at least 24 hours or if you develop flu-like symptoms or an unusual rash in the days or weeks following the tick bite.

 

For more information, please contact the Department of Health’s Environmental Health and Infection Prevention & Control program at 613-575-2341 ext. 3220.

 

*Information courtesy of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit.