Can you survive Powassan virus?
Approximately 1 out of 10 people with severe disease die. Approximately half of the people who survive severe disease have long-term health problems such as recurring headaches, loss of muscle mass and strength, and memory problems.
How long does Powassan virus last?
The exact time interval for Powassan virus is not known, but it is likely much shorter than the time needed for Lyme disease (24–36 hours) or anaplasmosis (12–24 hours). Who is most at risk of Powassan virus?
What are the symptoms of Powassan?
What are the symptoms of Powassan virus?
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Vomiting.
- Weakness.
- Seizures.
- Encephalitis (swelling of the brain)
- Meningitis (swelling of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord)
Where is Powassan virus found?
In the United States, cases of Powassan virus disease (Powassan) have been reported primarily from northeastern states and the Great Lakes region. These cases occur primarily in the late spring, early summer, and mid-fall when ticks are most active.
How common is Powassan virus?
Powassan is a rare tick-borne disease caused by a virus. It can cause swelling in the brain (doctors call this encephalitis) and in the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (you may hear this called meningitis). Only about 166 cases were reported in the U.S. over the last 10 years, with one in ten proving deadly.
How is Powassan virus transmitted?
Powassan virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected tick. Ticks become infected when they feed on groundhogs, squirrels, mice, or other rodents that have the virus in their blood. Infected ticks can then spread Powassan virus to people and other animals by biting them.
Does Powassan virus have a rash?
“You basically feel nonspecific flu-like stuff [such as] muscle aches and pains; maybe you have a little rash on your skin, but almost certainly, you’ll have a fever and the headache,” explains Lyons. “If the virus worsens, it will do so very quickly and within days of the first symptoms.”