Rare tick-borne virus with no cure spreads across the US as cases hit record high – how to avoid it

What to do if you’re infected

The CDC says people with mild illness need “rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain medications,” to help manage symptoms. More serious  infections, however, may need hospitalization, “to receive support for breathing, staying hydrated, or reducing swelling in the brain.”

Dr. Michael Smith of WebMD also warned about the virus, saying: “This is a rare virus you catch from a tick bite, same way Lyme disease is spread.

“While only 60 people have gotten the Powassan virus in the past 10 years, it’s caused seven deaths. About half of survivors have permanent neurological symptoms like memory problems.”

“The disease is extremely rare”

Smith also emphasized that “there are no medicines to treat or cure this virus right now.”

Instead, he recommends focusing on prevention by avoiding tick bites. That includes using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors, checking your body for ticks after spending time outside, and showering within two hours to help wash away any ticks that have not yet attached, as well as being aware of where they might be.

Even with the recent increase in reported cases, Smith urged people not to panic.

“Remember the disease is extremely rare, so no need to worry– just be aware.”