Rare Tick-Borne Powassan Virus Infection Case Triggers Action from Schumber

Following the increase in potentially deadly tick-borne infections in New York State and the country, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer at a press conference Tuesday expressed his support for “The Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education and Research Act."

The act would establish research programs and educate the public on the dangers associated with ticks.

Schumer became more aware of the problem after a Saratoga County resident was infected with the Powassan virus, which is a rare tick-borne virus that is potentially deadly and has no antidote.

A large number of ticks infected with Powassan virus were found in the Hudson Valley, which is consistent with the increase in the rare disease in New York State.