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Disease overviewNorth America

What is Powassan virus disease?

Powassan virus is a rare tick-borne infection that may cause fever or serious inflammation of the brain or its surrounding membranes.

Reviewed by VuxLore® Knowledge Team For Everyone

Short answer

Powassan virus is a rare tick-borne infection that may cause fever or serious inflammation of the brain or its surrounding membranes.

At a glance

Cases occur mainly in parts of North America; severe symptoms can include confusion, poor coordination, speech difficulty and seizures.

Key takeaways

• Neurological symptoms are an emergency.

• There is no human vaccine currently available in the US.

• Prevention relies on avoiding tick bites.

Most concern centres on neurological disease

Early illness can include fever, headache, vomiting and weakness. Encephalitis or meningitis can be severe and may leave lasting effects.

Location and timing help diagnosis

Seek urgent care for neurological symptoms and report recent tick exposure or travel. Testing and management require clinicians and public-health laboratories.

Sources and further reading