Powassan Virus: A Rare Tick-Borne Virus That Could Be Worse Than Lyme Disease! by Mindy Hudon, M.S., CCC-SLP

Family Health
6 years ago

Powassan Virus: A Rare Tick-Borne Virus That Could Be Worse Than Lyme Disease!

There’s a rare tick-borne, potentially life-threatening virus called Powassan virus (POW) in the news. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 75 cases have been diagnosed over the past 10 years. POW virus causes encephalitis and meningitis, and the symptoms include:

  • headache
  • fever
  • vomiting
  • weakness
  • confusion
  • loss of coordination
  • speech difficulties 
  • seizures

The incubation period ranges from days to one month. There is no cure or medicine to treat POW, but patients typically require hospitalization. Here are some tips to help prevent POW:

  • Avoid wooded and high-grass areas.
  • Apply insect repellent to skin according to instructions.
  • Shower within two hours of being outside and check for ticks.
  • Check children, especially in their hair.
  • Always examine pets, clothes and gear for ticks. 

Learn more about Powassan virus here.

The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal health care provider.

Elisa Schmitz
So interesting! Thanks for sharing, Mindy Hudon, M.S., CCC-SLP !!
Donna John
This is scary to me because I spend many days a month at a deer lease, Mindy Hudon, M.S., CCC-SLP . Last week I caught two ticks that were crawling on me. (All over body shiver.) Thanks for the tips!
Mindy Hudon, M.S., CCC-SLP
Yuck! There is a link in the attached article that will show you where in the country the virus has been seen. It is in our local area so it freaks me out!
Jo Khalifa
Such good info. I'm suffering the affects from Lyme disease. Ticks are just vile filthy little creatures.
Rachel W. Lewter
Hard to believe these little critters cause so many illnesses. I bring them in every single time I go outside. Thanks for sharing.

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