Newborn fights for life after contracting rare Powassan virus
- A newborn from Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, is critically ill due to a suspected Powassan virus infection.
- Health officials reported that the transmission occurred from a tiny tick found on the baby after a short outdoor walk.
- The case underscores the dangers of tick-borne illnesses and the urgent need for awareness and prevention.
In Massachusetts, a newborn named Lily Sisco is battling for her life after being diagnosed with a suspected case of the Powassan virus, a rare but potentially fatal tick-borne illness. Following her birth, she was brought to Massachusetts General Hospital after exhibiting concerning symptoms, including a persistent fever that later escalated to seizures. Health officials reported that the infant had been infested with a tick, small enough to be likened to a needle tip, indicating a swift transmission risk that often accompanies this virus. Fortunately, her family remains hopeful despite the dire circumstances. The Powassan virus is known to be transmitted through deer ticks, with estimates of 1% to 2% of these ticks on Martha's Vineyard being infected. Unlike many other tick-borne diseases, Powassan can infect an individual within just 15 minutes of a bite, raising alarm among health professionals. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed other cases of this virus across the state, indicating that it poses a growing concern as warmer weather prompts increased outdoor activities where ticks may thrive. Local health officials are investigating the case of Lily and others across Massachusetts. Lily’s hospital team is closely monitoring her condition, focusing on the inflammation and damage caused to her brain due to the infection. The severity of this situation highlights the challenges faced by families in regions where tick populations are prevalent, particularly during the warmer months. Preventing tick bites remains paramount, especially for individuals, children, and pets engaging in outdoor activities in risky areas. Medical professionals emphasize the importance of careful checks after such outings to mitigate the risk of tick-borne illnesses, which are particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations including infants and the elderly. The Sisco family hopes for Lily's recovery and further public awareness about the hazards posed by ticks in these environments where they proliferate.