ATLANTA, June 23 (Our Illinois Times) — Powassan virus, a rare tick-borne infection that can damage the brain, may be passed quickly after a bite, and a federal public-health page says studies show transmission can occur in as little as 15 minutes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says reported U.S. cases have increased in recent years, though the disease remains uncommon. CDC says most cases occur in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions during tick-active months from late spring through mid-fall.
CDC says the infection can be asymptomatic or mild. When symptoms appear, they can start with fever, headache, vomiting and weakness, and severe disease can cause encephalitis or meningitis, confusion, loss of coordination, speech problems, seizures and paralysis.
The agency says there are no vaccines to prevent Powassan virus disease and no medicines to treat it. CDC says about 10% of people with neuroinvasive disease die, and about half of survivors have long-lasting neurologic deficits.
CDC says older adults, children and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of neuroinvasive disease. A Defense Centers for Public Health–Aberdeen page says CDC counted about 397 reported U.S. cases from 2004 through 2024 and identifies blacklegged, groundhog and squirrel ticks as the main vectors.
