Safety Tidbit 2.42 - Camping and Ticks

Safety Tidbit 2.42 – Camping and Ticks

Reference:        CDC Tickborne Diseases of the United States

            CDC Powassan Virus

SHAPE Magazine - Powassan Is a Tick-Borne Virus More Dangerous Than Lyme

Over Memorial Day, my wife and I went camping with friends. Unfortunately, one of our crew had a serious reaction to some poison ivy and paid a visit to the local emergency room facility. While there with the doctor he treated for Lyme’s Disease as our party member said about having noticed a tick earlier in the weekend.  The doctor said that Lyme’s Disease is being carried by other ticks and not just the deer ticks. I decided to do a little research.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports there are 15 different diseases born by ticks in the United States. With the mild winter tick populations are growing. Interestingly, I found that there was a new disease making the scene this year, Powassan Virus.

The CDC reports, Powassan (POW) virus is transmitted to humans by infected ticks. Approximately 75 cases of POW virus disease were reported in the United States over the past 10 years. Most cases have occurred in the Northeast and Great Lakes region. Signs and symptoms of infection can include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, seizures, and memory loss. Long-term neurologic problems may occur. There is no specific treatment, but people with severe POW virus illnesses often need to be hospitalized to receive respiratory support, intravenous fluids, or medications to reduce swelling in the brain.

You can reduce your risk of being infected with POW virus by using tick repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants, avoiding bushy and wooded areas, and doing thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors.  Check your whole body, including the place ticks like best like—your scalp, your groin, and between your toes.

I would add here that treating your pet with flea and tick repellents is a great mechanism to reduce your dog from being affected. However, you need to be vigilant with checking your pets if they are outdoors as the ticks drop onto them and then the pet brings them into your tent or home. The tick may not be able to bite the dog or cat then goes looking for their next meal.

Hope this was helpful and thanks for reading my Safety Tidbits! Comments and questions are always welcome. ~ Bryan

P.S. If you have a burning safety or health question please let me know.