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Powassan Virus
Powassan Virus
- Powassan virus is a rare, yet often serious disease that is spread by the bite of infected ticks.
- Most human cases in the U.S. occur in the northeast and Great Lakes regions from late spring through mid-fall when ticks are most active.
- While rare, the number of reported human cases of people sick from Powassan virus has increased in recent years.
- There has only been one reported case of Powassan virus disease in Michigan to date.
- The signs and symptoms of Powassan virus range from no symptoms to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).
- The best way to prevent infection is to protect yourself from tick bites.
Powassan Virus image
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Tick Features
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Who is at risk?
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Signs and Symptoms
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Diagnosis and Testing
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Treatment
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Prevention
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Educational Materials
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Data and Statistics