One man has died after contracting a rare illness passed to humans from ticks.

WIVB reports the Hudson Valley man is the first known case of Powassan Virus in New York in 2019.

The Ulster County Health Department said less than six cases are diagnosed in New York each year.

Officials said the resident was from near Poughkeepsie and had underlying health conditions.

WIVB reports, "Unlike other tick-borne illnesses, Powassan can be transmitted from tick to human in as little as 15 minutes. Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, and loss of coordination."

 

More From 106.5 WYRK