ATLANTA, June 23 (Our Illinois Times) — Studies cited by the Defense Centers for Public Health–Aberdeen say a tick can spread Powassan virus in as little as 15 minutes, a rare infection that can inflame the brain and leave lasting neurologic damage.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says reported U.S. cases have increased in recent years, although the disease remains uncommon. Most cases are reported in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions, especially from late spring through mid-fall when ticks are most active.
Powassan virus is spread by infected ticks, including blacklegged or deer ticks, groundhog ticks and squirrel ticks, according to the CDC. The agency says early illness can include fever, headache, vomiting and weakness.
In more severe cases, the CDC says Powassan can cause encephalitis or meningitis and lead to confusion, loss of coordination, speech problems, seizures and paralysis. The agency says about 10% of patients with Powassan neuroinvasive disease die, and about half of survivors have long-lasting neurologic problems.
The CDC says there are no vaccines to prevent Powassan virus disease and no medicines to treat it. It also says older adults, children and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for neuroinvasive disease.
A peer-reviewed case report in PMC said human transmission can occur within hours of tick attachment, and studies cited by the Defense public-health page say it may happen in as little as 15 minutes. The CDC says Powassan virus can also rarely be transmitted through blood transfusion.
