Dangerous tick-borne virus spreading to more Americans, experts warn

Key Points:

• Powassan virus, a rare and potentially fatal tick-borne illness first identified in 1958, is spreading across the U.S., with cases reaching a record high of 76 in 2025, compared to an average of 7-8 annually.
• The virus is transmitted primarily through bites from infected woodchuck or deer ticks and can transmit to humans within 15 minutes, much faster than Lyme disease which requires 36-48 hours.
• Initial symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, and weakness, but the virus can progress to severe neurological complications such as encephalitis and meningitis, with about 10% of severe cases resulting in death.
• There are no specific treatments or vaccines for Powassan virus; medical care focuses on supportive therapies like intravenous fluids and respiratory support.
• Public health experts emphasize the increasing threat posed by Powassan virus due to its rapid transmission and potential for long-term neurological damage among survivors.