Latest news with #Powassan
CTV News
12 hours ago
- Health
- CTV News
Police stress safety on trails after another fatal ATV crash in northern Ont.
After another fatal ATV crash, this time in Powassan, police are urging riders to take every precaution before going out in the trails. Following another fatal all-terrain vehicle crash, this time in Powassan, Ontario Provincial Police are calling on ATV drivers to take every safety precaution they can before going out in the trails. 'Some people think that, you know, I'm only going for a short ride. I don't need to do all these things,' said OPP Const. Michelle Simard. 'It's good to have a good routine when you head out on the trails.' A 27-year-old resident of Powassan was killed late Saturday afternoon. Emergency responders arrived at the scene of the ATV-involved collision on Genesee Lake Road, shortly before 5 p.m. on July 13. The driver was pronounced dead at the hospital. OPP patrol more than 130,000 kilometres of roadway and trails in Ontario. Along with bringing safety equipment, tools, a charged cellphone, a map, a flashlight, food and water and a first-aid kit, officers want riders to tell a loved one where they're going should an emergency occur. 'We see a lot of people on the trails. We just want them to be safe,' Simard said. Long-time ATV rider Rick Pentiluk said it frustrates him when he sees riders without helmets, revving their engines up to top speed in the trails. He knows that combination can be a recipe for disaster. ATV fatalities Since April of this year, five people have died in ATV-related collisions, including a 62-year-old from London, Ont., last weekend. (File) 'Have the experience on the machine you're riding on and go out there to enjoy the scenery, rather than just putting the pedal to the metal and blasting down the trails,' Pentiluk said. 'Every year, I bring my bike into a qualified mechanic and have them go over the bike to make sure everything is good -- to make sure the bearings are good, the brakes are good.' Since April of this year, five people have died in ATV-related collisions, including a 62-year-old from London, Ont., last weekend. 'It is very tragic' Ten people, including four children, were killed in ATV crashes in northern Ontario in a span of three months last year. 'It is very tragic. It's not nice when you lose a family member, especially when you're in a sport doing something that is supposed to be so much fun,' Pentiluk said. 'Nobody ever wants to hear that somebody has died enjoying a summer sport.' Police say the leading factors in ATV crashes are speed, alcohol or drugs and riders choosing not to wear helmets. These are all preventable actions. 'We have a beautiful country here in Ontario and beautiful trails to enjoy. We would like everybody to do it safely,' Simard said. She added police officers are still out patrolling the trails looking for speeders. Simard warned that an officer may stop a rider asking for proof of documentation, license and insurance, all things required for driving an ATV.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
A Fatal Tick Bite Caused a Man's Brain to ‘Blow Up'
In 2024, a Massachusetts man was bit by a tick. Days later, he collapsed and was hospitalized. Weeks later, he was dead. Now his family is hoping that their tragedy could help to save other people's lives. As CBS News reports, the family of Kevin Boyce is kicking off the summer season by sharing their heartbreak. In April 2024, Boyce got a tick bite without even realizing it. Within a few days, he began experiencing a number of debilitating symptoms that mimicked the flu, including an extreme headache and vomiting. Not long after that, the 62-year-old collapsed in his home and was rushed to Boston's Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was diagnosed with Powassan to the New York State Department of Health, many people who are infected with Powassan virus never develop any symptoms. Those who do develop symptoms usually begin experiencing them within one to four weeks of the bite, with fever, headache, vomiting, confusion, and seizures among the initial symptoms. For more severe cases, the onset of symptoms seems to occur more quickly and can include tremors, paralysis, coma, or death. Powassan can also cause encephalitis and meningitis. Powassan virus is rare, but approximately 10 percent of all cases are fatal. And the number of infections appears to be on the rise. In 2024, the scientific journal Clinical Microbiology and Infection published data that indicated a 'four-fold rise' in the number of cases between 2014 to 2023, compared to 2004 to 2013. In Boyce's case, the disease progressed quickly. Boyce's sister, Erin, explained that Kevin was in the ICU, but ultimately the damage his brain sustained was too much. Just a few weeks after being admitted to the hospital, he passed away.'His brain had blown up so much, from the encephalitis, and he had really bad brain damage,' Erin said of her brother, who left a wife, two sons, and a granddaughter behind. One year later, Boyce's family wants to turn their tragedy into a learning lesson—and a warning for others. 'We just want the public to know what to look for and be wary of ticks,' Erin said, 'especially if you have one on your body.' A Fatal Tick Bite Caused a Man's Brain to 'Blow Up' first appeared on Men's Journal on May 30, 2025
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Man Died from Tick-Borne Virus After His ‘Brain Had Blown Up'. Now His Family Is Warning Others
Kevin Boyce was hospitalized in April 2024 with a severe case of Powassan virus due to a tick bite He died weeks later after suffering brain damage from the disease His family is now sharing his story to encourage others to be cautious about ticksAs the weather gets warmer, one Massachusetts family is sharing their heartbreaking story as a warning to others about a debilitating tick-borne disease. In April 2024, Kevin Boyce was unknowingly bitten by a tick. He started experiencing headaches, vomiting and other flu-like symptoms that rapidly progressed. Days later, the 62-year-old collapsed in his home and was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. Doctors diagnosed Kevin with Powassan virus, a rare and dangerous tick-borne disease. Powassan virus is rare but the number of cases has significantly increased in the past decade. Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, and seizures. Severe cases can lead to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or spinal cord (myelitis). About 10% of these advanced cases are fatal, according to Yale Medicine. Erin explained that despite Kevin being treated in the ICU, he ultimately suffered severe brain damage from the disease. "His brain had blown up so much, from the encephalitis, and he had really bad brain damage," she told CBS News. "It was horrifying, but we knew what Kevin would want, so you know, we just had to let him go." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Kevin died a few weeks after arriving at the hospital, leaving behind a wife, two sons and a granddaughter. Erin said that she and her family are now hoping that sharing Kevin's story will encourage others to be cautious. "We just want the public to know what to look for and be wary of ticks, especially if you have one on your body," she said. In 2024, 54 cases of Powassan virus disease were reported in the United States, with 12 cases reported in to the CDC, there are no vaccines to prevent POWV or medicines to treat it. However, a number of precautionary measures can be taken to avoid ticks. To prevent exposure to ticks, according to the National Institutes of Health, wear clothing that covers your arms and legs and tuck your pants into your socks or put tape around openings in clothing. Wear light-colored clothing so you can see if a tick is on you. When you are in the woods, keep to the center of the trail, since ticks tend to like shrubs and bushes. Use a chemical repellent with DEET, permethrin or picaridin. After coming indoors, check yourself, children and pets for ticks. If you do find one, use tweezers to remove it as soon as possible. It takes a week to one month after the bite from an infected tick to develop symptoms of POWV disease, and the virus can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes after the tick first attaches, according to the Massachusetts Department of Health. Shower as soon as you can and wash your clothes in high heat to kill any remaining ticks. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
There's danger in the woods - here are the 12 deadliest animals in Connecticut
Now that the weather is getting warmer, you might find yourself going outside more. Going for a hike can be a great way to get some exercise and there are many trails in Connecticut to check out. Being in nature can be a great way to clear your head. Nature is also home to a number of wild animals. Connecticut has many forested areas and rural regions where animals such as bears, snakes and coyotes live. WorldAtlas, a website that produces content on geography, science, current events and more, released a list of the 12 deadliest animals in Connecticut. The list discusses what makes each animal so dangerous and how they can be avoided. Here are the 12 deadliest animals in Connecticut, according to WorldAtlas. Ticks can be found in Connecticut's forests and areas with long grass fields. While tick bites usually are not harmful, ticks can spread potentially deadly diseases. In addition to Lyme disease, deer ticks are also known to spread anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Powassan virus. To best prevent tick-borne illness, WorldAtlas recommends wearing long sleeves and pants in the areas where ticks are. The site also recommends using bug repellent and checking yourself regularly while in high-risk areas. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on earth, according to WorldAtlas. In Connecticut, they spread diseases such as West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Zika virus. WorldAtlas says to avoid mosquitoes, stay away from stagnant bodies of water, use bug spray, stay indoors around dawn and dusk and wear long-sleeved clothing. According to WorldAtlas, black bears wander the forests and suburbs of Connecticut, often wandering into more populated areas in search of food. Though they are typically shy, bears will attack if provoked or if their cubs are in danger. If you encounter a bear on a hike, WorldAtlas recommends you wave your arms and make noise to scare it away. If you see bear cubs, WorldAtlas recommends you go back the way you came to give their mother a wider berth. This venomous snake's bite induces pain, swelling and tissue damage for bites left untreated. According to WorldAtlas, seek medical treatment immediately if you are bitten. To avoid Eastern copperheads, WorldAtlas says stay observant on hikes, stay on the trail and be aware that swampier areas are typically where the snake is found. Timber rattlesnakes are large, venomous snakes with rattling tails typically found in rocky, remote areas of Connecticut. A timber rattlesnake's bite can induce severe pain, swelling and larger body/organ issues if medical attention is not taken immediately. While the snake is typically shy, WorldAtlas recommends people stay away from the rocky, remote areas they are usually found and go back the way you came if you hear their rattle. According to WorldAtlas, coyotes can be found in Connecticut's suburban communities, as they are drawn to trash and small pets. They are known to scrounge through and attack humans and pets when food is scarce. In addition, they are occasionally mistaken for dogs. Coyotes have sharp teeth and sometimes carry rabies. To avoid coyotes, WorldAtlas recommends people make a lot of noise if one is nearby and keep an eye on their pets. It is not uncommon for bobcats to attack smaller animals, so WorldAtlas recommends people keep smaller pets under careful supervision when outside. According to WorldAtlas, bobcats are unlikely to attack a human unless provoked but they can be protective particularly during mating and child-rearing season. If you do encounter a bobcat, WorldAtlas recommends you maintain as much distance as possible and back away from the animal. If the bobcat does show interest in you, WorldAtlas recommends you make yourself as large and intimidating as possible by making noise, throwing objects and spraying water towards the animal. Brown recluse spiders live predominantly in dark, undisturbed areas such as basements, attics, sheds and woodpiles. According to WorldAtlas, brown recluse spiders usually only bite when they feel physically threatened. If bitten, WorldAtlas reccomends you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Though a bite from a brown recluse spider is rarely fatal, it can cause severe necrosis in and around the affected bite area, which can lead to permanent skin and nerve damage. To avoid being bitten by a brown recluse spider, WorldAtlas recommends shaking shoes or boots you might keep outside or other clothing that receives less frequent attention. The site also recommends wearing gloves when handling firewood or working in the dark. Black widow spider bites can be extremely painful and can cause necrosis in the bite area. If bitten, WorldAtlas recommends you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Like a brown recluse spider, black widows can be found in quiet areas such as woodpiles, sheds, basements and attics. Avoiding black widows follows many of the same basic guidelines as the black recluse spider. In addition to rabid raccoons, non-rabid raccoons can cause harm to humans. They have sharp teeth and claws and often carry other bacteria. According to WorldAtlas, the best way to avoid run-ins with raccoons is to secure your trash, keep your yard clean and fence your gardens. If you are bitten or scratched by a raccoon, WorldAtlas recommends you seek immediate attention. If you encounter an Eastern wolf, WorldAtlas recommends making a lot of noise and making yourself seem as large and intimidating as possible. WorldAtlas also says to always face the wolf and do not run away. If the wolf does attack you, the site recommends using sticks or rocks to fight back, or climbing up a tree, as wolves are unable to do so. White-tailed deer can be deadly if hit by a motor vehicle. WorldAtlas reccomends drivers buckle their seat belts, avoid distracted driving, follow the posted speed limit, stick to well-lit areas when possible and pay attention to signs warning of increased animal activity. This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Deadliest creatures in Connecticut
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Deer ticks have arrived in Montana
May 23—Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPPHS) officials are alerting the public about the recent identification of a tick new to Montana known as Ixodes scapularis, commonly referred to as a "deer tick" or "blacklegged tick". State health officials report that in the past year three blacklegged ticks were identified in the state for the first time through active surveillance conducted by researchers and public health officials. The ticks were found in Dawson and Sheridan counties. Blacklegged ticks are much smaller and darker in color than most other ticks in Montana that might feed on humans. The presence of blacklegged ticks in Montana may increase the risk of exposure to new tickborne illnesses in the state. "Not all types of ticks carry all tickborne illnesses," said Devon Cozart, DPHHS Vectorborne Disease Epidemiologist. "The presence of this new type of tick in the state could mean that Montanans have an increased risk of exposure to diseases that weren't previously a threat in Montana." Blacklegged ticks are extremely common in Northeastern United States. Recently, these ticks have steadily expanded into other states. Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, Powassan virus, hard tick relapsing fever, and babesiosis are examples of diseases known to be transmitted by the bite of a blacklegged tick. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 70% of those bitten by a deer tick and then diagnosed with Lyme disease will have a bull's-eye rash in the area of the tick bite. One tick collected in Dawson County was confirmed to be a blacklegged tick by Rocky Mountain Laboratories in 2024. DPHHS, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), confirmed in the fall of 2024 that two ticks found in Sheridan County were blacklegged ticks. These two ticks were tested by CDC and no pathogens that can cause illness in humans were detected, including Lyme disease. Currently, there is no known increased risk in Montana for Lyme disease, or other pathogens transmitted by blacklegged ticks. However, the risk of encountering a blacklegged tick may be higher in Dawson and Sheridan counties. Public health officials are conducting further investigation to determine whether these ticks are found elsewhere in Montana and whether they are establishing their habitat in the state. DPHHS will continue to monitor tick activity in select locations throughout the state and will adjust guidance as needed if blacklegged ticks become established. "Currently, tick experts do not think that the blacklegged tick is present throughout Montana," Cozart said. "These ticks could have been carried into the state by a host animal, or they could be active and reproducing here — we just don't know yet. We will be conducting further investigations this spring." The tick species most common in Montana at this time include the Rocky Mountain wood tick and the American dog tick. These ticks can spread diseases such as tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Colorado tick fever. This spring, DPHHS is launching a citizen scientist program and is requesting the public's help in tick surveillance, especially in Dawson and Sheridan counties. Anyone who thinks they have found a blacklegged tick is encouraged to fill out an online form at is also on the DPHHS website and includes instructions on how to submit the tick for identification. Cozart states the best way to reduce your chance of developing an illness from a tick bite is to reduce your contact with ticks. "Preventing tick bites is important while spending time outdoors, especially when walking through brushy or wooded areas," she said. "Though tick activity slows during winter months, ticks can be active any time temperatures are above freezing. Any outdoor activity in any season that disturbs leaf brush (such as yard work or hiking) or contact with other animals (such as hunting) increases the risk of encountering a tick." To prevent tick bites, follow these tips: — Wear an EPA registered insect repellent ( — Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin — Check for ticks often and carry a tick removal device such as tweezers — Shower soon after being outdoors — Put clothing in the dryer for 10 minutes after being outdoors to kill ticks — Check pets regularly for ticks and talk to a veterinarian about tick prevention products "If you find a tick, remove it safely and quickly," Cozart added. "The less time a tick is attached, the less likely you are to develop an illness. If you have been bitten by a tick and start to feel sick with symptoms including fever, rash, body aches, and headaches, talk to your health care provider and let them know about your tick encounter." For more information about ticks and tickborne diseases, please visit: About Ticks and Tickborne Disease — Ticks — CDC.
