HUDSON – The Columbia County Health Department has confirmed a case of Powassan virus, a tick-borne illness, in a county resident.
Dr. Ananthakrishnan Ramani, chief of infectious diseases and microbiology
at Columbia Memorial Health, working with the state Health Department,
reported the first case of the virus.
“The patient is recovering well,” said Dr. Ramani, the medical director for the Columbia County Department of Health.
Powassan virus is a rare viral disease that can cause symptoms ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to life-threatening encephalitis. The disease remains extreme rare in New York, which has reported 29 cases to the Centers for Disease Control.
Columbia County Public Health Director Jack Mabb said preventative measures can work together for protection against tick-borne diseases. “It is important for residents to plan ahead before outdoor activities, be mindful of exposure while outdoors and to remain vigilant in checking or tickets both while outdoors and afterward for the best chance of prevention against tick-borne diseases.”
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