A rare tick-borne virus, Powassan, has been suspected of infecting a newborn baby from Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, who is currently fighting for her life at a Boston hospital. Preliminary tests show the baby contracted the virus after being bitten by a deer tick during a short walk on a bike path.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there have been only 57 cases of Powassan in 2024 nationwide and 24 cases so far this year. The virus is transmitted through deer ticks, with an estimated 1-2% of those ticks on Martha’s Vineyard being infected. There is no treatment for Powassan, which can cause brain inflammation or meningitis.
The baby, Lily Sisco, was flown to Massachusetts General Hospital just weeks after birth and has been experiencing seizures due to the virus’s effects on her brain. Her mother, Tiffany Sisco, said that the family remains hopeful despite the severity of the situation, citing the medical team’s “speechless” progress.
Experts warn that ticks are most active during warm weather months, but can be present any time the temperature is above freezing. To prevent tick bites, health officials recommend using insect repellent, wearing light-colored clothing, and staying on trails when walking. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health also advises checking oneself, children, and pets for ticks after being outdoors.
The family’s case highlights the importance of taking precautions against tick-borne illnesses, particularly in high-risk areas like Martha’s Vineyard where the virus is estimated to infect 1-2% of deer ticks.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/powassan-virus-marthas-vineyard-tick-lily-sisco