Powassan Virus

Powassan virus (POW) causes a rare but serious disease that is spread by the bites of black-legged deer ticks. Approximately 100 cases have been reported in the last 10 years in the US, most in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences reports there have been 16 cases of Powassan virus infection in Massachusetts in the last 10 years. There’s evidence that cases are rising, but it is not clear what is causing the resurgence of POW. Transmission (spread of the disease) can happen when ticks are active. Young ticks are usually active in warm weather between May and August. While adult ticks are active in spring and fall, they can appear any time the winter temperatures are above freezing.

Symptoms

Early disease symptoms include:

headache, vomiting, and weakness.

Disease progression (severe disease) causes:

inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
Symptoms include confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, and seizures.

Treatment

There is no vaccine for prevention or medicine for specific treatment of the Powassan virus. Treatment consists of supportive care, rest, and fluids to prevent dehydration.

Prevention

While outdoors:

Avoid brushy, wooded, or grassy areas while outdoors.
Use a repellant containing DEET.
Wear long, light-colored pants tucked into socks or boots with a long-sleeved shirt.
When walking or hiking, keep on designated trails, avoiding the edge habitat where ticks are likely to be.
Perform thorough inspection for ticks after being outdoors.
Showering immediately after potential tick exposure may help remove unattached ticks.
Ask your vet for tick control production/options for your pets.