Doctor Urges Calm Over Powassan Case and Congo Ebola Outbreak, Citing 10% Mortality
Updated
Updated · WCVB Boston · Jun 16
Doctor Urges Calm Over Powassan Case and Congo Ebola Outbreak, Citing 10% Mortality
1 articles · Updated · WCVB Boston · Jun 16
Summary
A New Hampshire man hospitalized with Powassan virus and an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo have drawn national attention, but infectious-disease specialist Todd Ellerin said neither development warrants panic.
Powassan is a rare tick-borne illness that can cause severe encephalitis — including seizures, paralysis, muscle weakness and the need for a ventilator — yet Ellerin said its mortality rate is about 10%.
Ellerin said Ebola is unlikely to spread like COVID-19 because patients are most contagious when they are too sick to travel, limiting the chance of a broad outbreak.
Massachusetts also has added preparedness capacity through a national biocontainment unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, underscoring that severe cases can be managed even as concern rises.