ATLANTA, June 23 (Our Illinois Times) — Powassan virus remains rare, but a tick bite can transmit it quickly enough that even brief outdoor exposure may matter, federal health officials and peer-reviewed research say.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the virus is spread by infected ticks, with most U.S. cases reported in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions during late spring through mid-fall. CDC says reported cases have increased in recent years.
Early illness can include fever, headache, vomiting and weakness. In severe cases, the infection can lead to encephalitis or meningitis and cause confusion, loss of coordination, speech problems, seizures and paralysis.
CDC says Powassan neuroinvasive disease is fatal in about 10% of cases and that about half of survivors have long-lasting neurologic deficits. Older adults, children and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for the severe form, the agency says.
A peer-reviewed case report found evidence that transmission can occur within hours after a tick attaches, and a Defense Centers for Public Health–Aberdeen page citing studies says it can happen in as little as 15 minutes. CDC says there is no vaccine or medicine to treat Powassan virus disease, and it can rarely be spread through blood transfusion.
