The Daily Freeman reports that the Ulster County Department of Health announced July 31 that Gardiner resident died from the Powassan virus, a rare disease spread by ticks. This is the first case of Powassan virus in New York State this year. The virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected deer tick and cannot be treated with antibiotics. Dr. Carol M. Smith, Ulster County's commissioner of health and mental health, said in a prepared statement. "Residents should vigilantly check themselves and their pets for ticks and tick bites.” Read more about this story in the Daily Freeman.