Ticks in the News
Powassan virus case in Southern NH
This article first appeared on WMUR News 9 as reported by Adam Sexton on wmur.com
CONCORD, N.H. - Two viruses that have never been seen in New Hampshire before have shown up in the same person. The Department of Health and Human Services said a man from Hillsborough County has tested positive for both the Jamestown Canyon virus, which is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, and the Powassan virus, which is carried by ticks.
Public health director Dr. Jose Montero said both viruses have been around the United States for a while, and the Powassan virus has been found in Maine and Vermont, so the New Hampshire case is not a surprise.
He said residents should take the same precautions they use to prevent other mosquito and tick viruses, including wearing effective insect repellent and doing regular tick checks.
Read more on WMUR News 9 or in the Nashua Telegraph