Powassan Virus: Another Tick Borne Disease

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.

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Powassan Virus Fact Sheet