Removal · field guidance
Powassan virus red flags (encephalitis, no treatment)
Powassan can cause encephalitis within days of an Ixodes bite; there is no specific antiviral, so early supportive care matters.
Steps
schema.org/HowTo01
Powassan transmission can occur within 15 minutes of attachment, unlike Lyme.
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Watch for fever, severe headache, vomiting, confusion, seizures, or focal weakness in the days to weeks after a bite.
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Go directly to the emergency department for any neurologic symptoms.
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Diagnosis: serology and PCR on blood and CSF.
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There is no specific antiviral; treatment is supportive (ICU care, anticonvulsants, ventilation if needed).
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About 10 percent of severe cases are fatal; survivors often have lasting neurologic deficits.
Diseases this can help prevent
1 known