Vectors

Ticks that carry Powassan virus disease

Tick species the editorial seed associates with Powassan virus disease. Each row links to the field-guide entry for that tick.

Ticks that carry it

3 known
TickScientific nameOne-liner
Blacklegged tickIxodes scapularisThe black-legged tick is the primary US vector of Lyme disease, established across the Northeast, Upper Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic.
Groundhog tickIxodes cookeiThe groundhog tick feeds primarily on woodchucks and small mammals across the eastern US and is a recognized vector of Powassan virus.
Squirrel tickIxodes marxiThe squirrel tick feeds mostly on tree squirrels in the eastern US and rarely bites humans, but is a known reservoir of Powassan virus.