What is the Powassan virus?
The Powassan virus is a tick-borne illness transmitted by the same tick that harbors the Lyme disease bacterium. Although it is still considered rare, the number of cases is growing and if contracted the virus can have devastating and long-lasting effects.
Can Lyme disease trigger an autoimmune disease?
An increasing number of studies indicate that Lyme disease may ignite an autoimmune reaction in some individuals or symptoms may mimic an autoimmune disease. In their report, "Lyme arthritis presenting as adult-onset Still's disease," researchers describe the first known case of Lyme disease triggering Adult-Onset Still's Disease, an auto-inflammatory condition that can impact the entire body (systemic disease).
Sarcoidosis triggered by Lyme disease
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs in the body, typically the lungs and lymph glands. The exact cause of sarcoidosis is unknown. But some researchers believe it may be a type of autoimmune disease, involving an abnormal immune response.
Preventing tick bites on a child proves challenging
Children account for 25% of all Lyme disease cases in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Unfortunately, tick bite prevention methods are failing our children, as 5-to 9-year-olds continue to be at the highest risk for developing Lyme disease.
Can you get ticks from pets?
Ever wonder if you can get ticks from pets? A study by Jones et al. found that not only can pets transport ticks into the home and onto humans, but the risk of a tick bite is significantly higher for both dog and cat owners.
Can Powassan virus cause encephalitis or other neurologic damage?
Over the past ten years, there have been 75 cases of Powassan virus reported in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [1] Most cases have been confined to the Northeast and Great Lakes region. That, however, may change. As Lyme disease continues to spread throughout the country, so too may this potentially deadly virus.
How long does it take to get Lyme disease?
The risk that a deer tick may transmit Lyme disease rises the longer the tick is attached, according to a review by Eisen from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published in the January 2018 journal Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases. [1]
Maine woman dies from deer tick virus
Powassan Virus is a tick-borne infection that can cause encephalitis and meningoencephalitis. It most often presents with neurologic symptoms and has a fatality rate between 10% to 15%. It's estimated that between 1% and 3% of deer ticks in the northeastern United States may be infected with Powassan Virus.
Can a tick be tested for Lyme disease?
Researchers examined the prevalence of ticks in the Quebec region, along with the frequency of engorged ticks carrying Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), the causative agent of Lyme disease. Their findings suggest that tick testing may not always be an effective tool in determining the risk of infection.
Abdominal pain, ileus and constipation due to Lyme disease
I will be discussing the case of a 65-year-old woman with abdominal pain, ileus/pseudo-obstruction and constipation due to Lyme disease.
