Tick-borne disease ID’d in the county
Ticks testing positive for Powassan virus have been found at five local locations
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » Ticks testing positive for the potentially deadly Powassan virus have been found at five locations in Saratoga County, including two sites within Saratoga Spa State Park.
The family of late Gansevoort resident, Charles Smith, says he died from the disease, and the state Health Department has confirmed two other cases involving Saratoga County residents this summer.
In addition to Spa State Park, ticks carrying Powassan were found recently at Saratoga National Historical Park, the 100 Acre Woods Trail in Malta, and a private residence whose location the Health Department refused to identify.
“Powassan is not a new disease,” said Bryon Backenson, Health Department epidemiologist. “There have been 26 cases in New York state since 2000. It doesn’t mean we’re going to have more cases the following year. This may be just a blip. Hopefully it is.”
But the three Saratoga County infections are
the only ones confirmed in New York this year.
Powassan is a rare viral disease whose effects range from mild flu-like symptoms to life-threatening encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain.
Much like the common cold, there is no cure, but doctors treat symptoms while the victim’s immune system fights the disease off, Backenson said.
Smith, 74, died June 8 at Glens Falls Hospital. Backenson said the Health Department can’t confirm that Smith died from Powassan. A coroner or medical examiner determines cause of death. But multiple published reports, including the Rare Disease Report (raredr.com), say Smith died from the disease .
Its website says, “Powassan is transmitted in a similar manner as Lyme’s disease, but differs in that it can be transferred from tick to human much more quickly, and results in more severe symptoms. The virus is capable of quickly reaching a patient’s brain, and leaving them vulnerable to long-term neurological damage.”
In response to local cases, the Health Department recently collected ticks at 30 sites in Saratoga County. Of the 2,700 ticks collected, 22 tested positive, or slightly less than 1 percent.
Saratoga County had one other confirmed Powassan case, in 2013, said county Public Health Director Kathy Duncan.
“We’re not the only county that’s had it,” she said.
Most of the other confirmed cases since 2000 have been in Central New York and the lower Hudson Valley. Duncan said there is no reason to avoid places where ticks have been found during Labor Day Weekend, or the weeks that follow.
“The best advice is follow protective and preventive measures,” she said. “It works for all tick-borne illnesses. People should use Deet spray, wear long pants tucked into socks, longsleeved shirts, and check themselves when they get home if they’ve been outdoors, and pets. If you go hiking, stay in the middle of trails away from tall grass.”
Backenson said ticks like warm spots such as armpits, behind ears, the groin area and beneath waistbands. He recommended showering after any outdoor activity. If ticks are found, the best way to remove them is with fine point tweezers. Doctors should be consulted immediately if symptoms arise.
Chief of Interpretation Lisa Dittman said national historical park officials didn’t know the Health Department was collecting ticks at the battlefield.
“We were very surprised to learn about this,” she said.
The historical park issued a statement of its own shortly after the Health Department announced where ticks testing positive for Powassan had been found. The park, where the Battles of Saratoga were fought 240 years ago this fall, already has tick warning signs posted. But plans call for putting up more brightly colored notices to alert visitors, Dittman said.
There are no plans for limiting or canceling activities at the park, she said.
Park Superintendent Amy Bracewell said, “Visitor health and safety are top priorities for us. Ticks are a concern every year. Before, during, and after your visit to the park, take safety precautions to avoid ticks.”
The state parks system has a vigorous educational and tick awareness campaign, spokesman Randy Simons said.
“At Saratoga Spa State Park we provide and routinely restock educational brochures inside the administration and new Creekside Classroom buildings,” he said.
Also durable metal awareness signs are in high-trafficked areas such as park entry booths, restrooms, warming huts and trailheads. State park staff routinely discuss tick awareness during programs and guided tours and regularly trim overhanging vegetation on the trails, Simons said.
The state Health Department plans to continue tick collection efforts this fall in Saratoga County, along with testing blood from hunter-harvested deer for previous exposure to Powassan.
For more information about tick safety and tickborne illnesses go to: www. cdc.gov/ticks or the state Health Department website: www.health.ny.gov/.
Information is also available at the Saratoga County Public Health Department website: http://www.saratogacountyny.gov/departments/publichealth/.