Maine confirms case of tick-borne Poisson virus: Symptoms to watch for

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What is Powassan’s disease?

A rare and life-threatening virus transmitted by ticks is causing concern among doctors. What is Powassan disease and how do you keep yourself safe?

Maine confirmed its first case of the Poisan virus this year in a Central Coast resident who was hospitalized with illness. According to a health advisory report, the citizen, whose age and exact location were not disclosed, developed symptoms of the disease in June.

Officials did not mention the patient’s current health status.

“It is possible that this person may have contracted the Poisson encephalitis infection in Maine,” the health advisory said. “There are two types of Powassan virus in the United States. Type 1, often called Powassan virus 1 is associated with Ixodes cookei or woodchuck tick. Lineage 2 POW, sometimes called deer tick virus, is associated with Ixodes scapularis, or deer tick.”

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Both types can cause human disease, although the counseling did not identify the person who contracted them. Officials said doctors should be aware of the potential for human viral disease activity in the state, and consider testing patients with encephalitis, meningitis or high fevers during the summer and fall.

It is not clear what type of symptoms the individual was experiencing, but in addition to a fever, symptoms may include vomiting, headache, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, or even seizures.

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Symptoms may occur between a week and a month after a tick bite, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There is no medicine to treat Powassan virus, and people who are severely ill often need to be hospitalized to receive support to breathe, stay hydrated, or reduce swelling in the brain.

Of those who become acutely ill, approximately one in 10 dies, while about half develop long-term health problems.

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Connecticut has also reported cases this year, with health officials earlier this month confirming two cases so far in 2021. Both cases involved patients aged 50-79 who became ill during the third week of April and required hospitalization.

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