Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://news.vin.com/VINNews.aspx?articleId=28896
Powassan virus like West Nile but more severe
September 17, 2013
By: Phyllis DeGioia
For The VIN News Service
A rare tick-borne disease that resembles West Nile virus but seems more likely to cause severe illness is on the rise.
The number of confirmed and suspected human cases of the tick-borne Powassan virus reached nearly 50 by the end of last year, more than half of the cases occurring since 2010.
The states most affected are Minnesota, with 19 cases since 2001; New York, with 13; and Wisconsin, with 10. Maine, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Virginia have reported one or two cases each during the past 12 years...
...A variety of small mammals, including woodchucks, squirrels and chipmunks, have been found with the virus ?but disease appears to be unusual? in wildlife, the agency states.
Whether domestic dogs and cats are susceptible is unknown...
Powassan virus like West Nile but more severe
September 17, 2013
By: Phyllis DeGioia
For The VIN News Service
A rare tick-borne disease that resembles West Nile virus but seems more likely to cause severe illness is on the rise.
The number of confirmed and suspected human cases of the tick-borne Powassan virus reached nearly 50 by the end of last year, more than half of the cases occurring since 2010.
The states most affected are Minnesota, with 19 cases since 2001; New York, with 13; and Wisconsin, with 10. Maine, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Virginia have reported one or two cases each during the past 12 years...
...A variety of small mammals, including woodchucks, squirrels and chipmunks, have been found with the virus ?but disease appears to be unusual? in wildlife, the agency states.
Whether domestic dogs and cats are susceptible is unknown...