Dangerous Tick-Spread Disease, Which Can Transmit Just 15 Minutes After Contact, Is Rising in the U.S. - Here's What to Know

Key Points:

• The Powassan virus, a tick-borne disease primarily affecting the Northeast and Great Lakes regions, is increasing in the United States, with cases rising from one in 2004 to 76 in 2025 and 15 reported in 2026 so far.
• The virus is transmitted by three types of ticks—the groundhog tick, squirrel tick, and blacklegged (deer) tick—and can infect humans in as little as 15 minutes after a tick bite.
• There are currently no vaccines or treatments for Powassan virus, so prevention relies on avoiding tick exposure through measures such as using insect repellents, avoiding wooded or grassy areas, and checking the body thoroughly for ticks after outdoor activities.
• Symptoms can range from none to severe, including fever, headache, vomiting, confusion, seizures, paralysis, and serious conditions like encephalitis and meningitis affecting the brain and spinal cord.
• Since ticks often live in yards and neighborhoods, experts emphasize vigilance in tick prevention and body checks, especially during the active season from late spring to mid-fall.