Posted on 10/06/23
Baltimore, MD - Oct. 6, 2023 - The Maryland Department of Health announced the first-ever death in the state from the Powassan virus, a rare condition spread by ticks, according to Patch. The individual, confirmed to have contracted the virus on Sept. 22, was exposed while traveling in Canada before returning to Maryland. Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman, Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services, stated that they do not believe there is a threat of local transmission of the virus in Maryland.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the Powassan virus is not usually transmitted from person to person, barring rare cases like blood transfusions. Symptoms can be severe, including fever, headache, and more severe neurological issues like meningoencephalitis. If untreated, the condition can be fatal.
Up to Oct. 3, the CDC has reported 28 cases of Powassan virus across nine states, primarily in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions.
In response to the rising concerns about tick-borne diseases, which have seen an increase in cases over the past decade, the Maryland Department of Health is launching a campaign titled “Maryland, Get Ticked Off!” This campaign aims to inform residents about the dangers of tick bites and offers a toolkit for those whose professions might expose them to tick-prone areas.