5-Week-Old Baby Contracts Rare Tick-Borne Illness, Fighting for Life

Baby Lily's Critical Condition

• 👶 A 5-week-old baby girl named Lily in Massachusetts is in critical care after contracting a rare tick-borne illness.
• 🏥 Preliminary tests indicate Lily has Poasan, a tick-borne illness that is uncommon in infants who do not walk.

The Spread of Poasan

• ⚡ Doctors state that a tick can spread Poasan more easily and quickly than Lyme disease, often within 15 minutes, and does not require prolonged attachment.
• 📊 Last year, Poasan infected 57 people in the US, with approximately half that number reported so far this year.

Family's Experience and Hope

• 🚶‍♀️ Lily's family was walking on a bike path in West Tisbury on Martha's Vineyard when the incident likely occurred.
• 📈 Lily developed a fever and experienced seizures, leading to her hospitalization at Mass General, where her progress has left doctors speechless.
• 🙏 Her mother expressed hope and gratitude for Lily's survival and ongoing recovery.

Prevention and Tick Awareness

• 🌳 Health officials recommend wearing long sleeves and pants, tucking pants into socks, and using DEET repellent when in grassy or natural habitats.
• ⚠️ Staying on beaten paths can also reduce exposure to ticks.
• ❄️ Warmer winters contribute to a longer tick season, making prevention crucial as there is currently no specific treatment for Poasan.
• 🐾 Checking oneself and pets for ticks after outdoor activities is advised.