UNDATED (WSAU-WAOW) — Experts are saying that this tick season could be one of the worst in the Central Wisconsin area. Many people have heard of Lyme Disease but a new tick disease, Powassan, has made it’s way to Wisconsin.
Lincoln County Public Health Nurse Kristi Krombholz tells Newsline 9 that the disease is pretty rare but could have lasting effects on someone who contracts it.
“We’ve had one case in Lincoln County in the last 14 years and about 20 cases in Wisconsin in the last 14 years,” said Krombholz. “We start to see a little more neurological symptoms. Like you might be confused, you have memory loss, you might have some loss of balance type issues.”
Krombholz tells Newsline 9 there is no cure for Powassan.
She said, “It’s just supportive measures for somebody (who contracts the disease). 10-15% of people that do get infected do have lifelong neurological conditions afterwards.”
Experts say the best preventative measures are repellant sprays and wearing long clothes when you’re out. They also say to check pets regularly for tick bites as well. Tick diseases are now found in every county throughout Wisconsin. Minnesota has the highest number of Powassan cases with New York and Wisconsin close behind.
