What is Powassan Virus?
Symptoms
Powassan (POW) virus is related to some mosquito-borne viruses, including West Nile virus. The virus is named after Powassan, Ontario, where it was first discovered in 1958. Two types of Powassan virus have been found in North America.
Two Types of Powassan Virus
One type of POW virus is carried by Ixodes scapularis (deer tick).
The second type of POW virus is carried by Ixodes cookei, a related tick species that usually feeds on woodchucks or other medium-sized mammals instead of humans. I. cookei has also been found in wooded areas in Minnesota.
Symptoms
Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).
Fever
headache
vomiting
weakness
confusion
loss of coordination
speech difficulties
memory loss
There is no known treatment for Powassan yet.
Articles Related to Powassan
- 2017 Cape Cod teacher talks about partner’s Powassan death
- 2017 Research shows Powassan Virus in Connecticut
- 2017 Experts warn of increases in tick-borne Powassan virus
- Powassan Virus Worse Than Lyme Disease
- Click here for other Strains/Species/Infections
- Experts warn tick-borne virus worse than Lyme disease is on the rise
- Tick bite puts man in coma with swollen brain
Powassan Virus Fact Sheet
