Tick-Borne Disease Confirmed In Capital Region

A rare and sometimes deadly tick borne illness case has been confirmed this week in the Capital Region. You are being urged to be more aware of ticks and use the necessary precautions to prevent being bit by ticks. According to News 10 ABC, earlier this week, the Columbia County Department of Health confirmed that a resident had contracted the tick borne disease called Powassan. This is a rare and sometimes deadly illness. Even though the person who contracted it is recovering well, doctors said it could have been a lot worse.

The Powassan disease doesn't usually present with symptoms so it's very hard to detect. Plus the tick that carries this disease can also carry Lyme disease. There is a high volume of ticks in our area and it's important for people to be hyper aware and to check for ticks whenever in high tick areas. You are also encouraged to tuck your pants in your socks, wear long sleeve shirts and use tick repellent.