Powassan Virus Surges in the U.S.; Tick Bites Can Transmit in Minutes

A tick-borne Powassan virus is rising in the United States, especially in the Northeast and Great Lakes. It can be transmitted to humans in as little as 15 minutes after a bite, and there are no vaccines or proven medicines to prevent or treat it. Carried by groundhog, squirrel, and deer ticks, the virus can cause severe illness like encephalitis or meningitis in some cases. Prevention centers on avoiding ticks through repellents, permethrin-treated clothing, checking for ticks after outdoor exposure, and reducing tick habitats around homes.