Deadly Powassan virus tick cases see surge in US

Published 30 June 2026 · health

Live Events What Is Powassan Virus? Symptoms of Powassan Virus Tick infection Fever Headache Vomiting Weakness Fatigue Severe Complications Can Be Life-Threatening Encephalitis (brain inflammation)

Live Events What Is Powassan Virus? Symptoms of Powassan Virus Tick infection Fever Headache Vomiting Weakness Fatigue Severe Complications Can Be Life-Threatening Encephalitis (brain inflammation) Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord) Confusion Loss of coordination Difficulty speaking Seizures Powassan virus tick cases reach historic levels Why Powassan Virus is considered dangerous Is there a treatment or vaccine? Intravenous fluids Respiratory support Hospital monitoring Treatment for neurological complications How to protect yourself from Powassan Virus Tick bites Use EPA-approved insect repellents. Wear long sleeves and long pants in wooded or grassy areas. Stay on marked trails when hiking. Perform full-body tick checks after spending time outdoors. Shower soon after returning indoors. Check pets and outdoor gear for ticks. as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Addas a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Powassan Virus Tick cases: A rare but potentially deadly illness powassan virus carried by ticks is drawing renewed attention in the United States as infections reach record levels, reports The New York Post. Known as the powassan virus tick disease, the infection can spread to humans within minutes of a tick bite and may lead to severe neurological complications.Health experts are urging people to take precautions during the peak tick season, especially as the number of reported cases continues to rise across several states.“One of the most dangerous aspects is its rapid transmission,” Dr. Jorge P.

Parada, a medical advisor at the Pest Management Association in Chicago, told Fox News Digital, told The Post.“Powassan can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes after the infected tick bites, while Lyme disease usually requires a 36- to 48-hour attachment time for transmission.”The powassan virus tick infection is a rare viral disease spread primarily through the bite of infected deer ticks and woodchuck ticks, according to the CDC. It belongs to the same family of viruses that can affect the brain and nervous system.The disease was first identified in 1958 after the death of a four-year-old boy named Lincoln Byers in Powassan, Ontario, Canada. At the time, doctors could not determine the cause of his illness. But years later, scientists discovered the same virus in a tick found on a dead squirrel, helping solve the medical mystery.Today, the virus remains uncommon, but public health officials are closely monitoring its increasing spread. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Powassan Virus Information, reported infections have risen significantly in recent years.Many infected individuals may not develop symptoms. However, when symptoms do appear, they typically emerge one to four weeks after infection.Common early signs include:As the disease progresses, the powassan virus tick infection can affect the brain and nervous system.In serious cases, Powassan virus can cause:According to the CDC, approximately 10% of severe neurological cases are fatal.