Powassan Disease the greatest risk for being bitten by a What is blacklegged . Risk peaks in June or July disease? every year. Blacklegged are small; adults are about the size of a sesame seed Powassan virus is a tickborne that and nymphs (young ticks) are about the size is related to some mosquitoborne of a poppy seed. Due to their small size, a such as . The virus is named person may not know they have been bitten after Powassan, Ontario where it was first by a tick. discovered in 1958. Two types of Powassan virus have been found in North America and Another type of Powassan virus (lineage 1) include lineage 1 and lineage 2 Powassan is carried by a similar tick species that viruses. Physician-diagnosed Powassan virus usually feeds on woodchucks and squirrels disease is very rare in Minnesota and the instead of humans. These ticks have also United States. been found in wooded areas in Minnesota, but humans rarely come into contact with How do people get Powassan them. virus disease? What are the symptoms of People can get Powassan virus disease Powassan virus disease? through the bite of a tick that is infected with the virus. Not all ticks carry these Many people infected with Powassan virus viruses and not all people bitten by a tick have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. will get sick. A tick needs to be attached to Symptoms of Powassan virus disease a person for a certain length of time before usually appear within 1-4 weeks of a tick it can cause disease. This time interval is not bite. Signs and symptoms may include: known for Powassan virus disease, but it is ▪ likely shorter than 12-24 hours. ▪ Headache One type of Powassan virus (lineage 2 or ▪ Vomiting “”) is carried by the ▪ Weakness blacklegged tick (deer tick), the same tick ▪ Seizures that spreads , , ▪ (swelling of the brain) and babesiosis. The blacklegged tick can be ▪ Meningitis (swelling of the membranes found in many wooded areas of Minnesota. surrounding the brain and spinal cord) Blacklegged ticks live on the ground in areas that are wooded or have lots of brush. The Patients with severe disease may suffer ticks search for hosts at or near ground long-term neurologic symptoms such as level and grab onto a person or animal as headaches and memory problems. Death is they walk by. Ticks do not jump, fly, or fall possible but rare (approximately 10% of from trees. cases with encephalitis). In Minnesota, the months of April through July and September through October are POWASSAN VIRUS DISEASE

How is Powassan virus protect against tick bites for at disease diagnosed? least two weeks without reapplication. Do not apply If a person suspects Powassan virus disease, permethrin to your skin. they should contact a doctor immediately ▪ Wear light-colored clothing to help you for diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis spot ticks more easily. Wear long- of Powassan virus disease is based on a sleeved shirts and pants to cover history of exposure to tick habitat, a exposed skin. physical examination, and laboratory tests ▪ Tumble dry clothing and gear on high to confirm the diagnosis. heat for at least 60 minutes after spending time in areas where ticks live. How is Powassan virus ▪ Talk with your veterinarian about safe disease treated? and effective products you can use to protect your pet. There is no specific medicine to treat Powassan virus disease. Patients with Check for ticks at least once a day after severe illness may need supportive care spending time in areas where ticks live: such as hospitalization and respiratory ▪ Inspect your entire body closely with a support. mirror, especially hard-to-see areas such as the groin and armpits. How can I reduce my risk? ▪ Remove ticks as soon as you find one. ▪ Use tweezers or your fingers to grasp There is currently no human vaccine the tick close to its mouth. Pull the tick available for Powassan virus disease. outward slowly and gently. Clean the Reducing exposure to ticks is the best area with soap and water. defense against tickborne diseases. ▪ Examine your gear and pets for ticks. Protect yourself from tick bites: ▪ Know where ticks live and when they Manage areas where ticks live: are active. ▪ Mow lawns and trails frequently. ▪ Blacklegged ticks live in wooded or ▪ Remove leaves and brush. brushy areas. ▪ Create a barrier of wood chips or rocks ▪ In Minnesota, blacklegged tick between mowed lawns and woods. activity is greatest from April – July and September – October. ▪ Use a safe and effective tick repellent if Minnesota Department of Health you spend time in or near areas where Vectorborne Diseases Unit PO Box 64975 ticks live. Follow the product label and St. Paul, MN 55164 reapply as directed. 651-201-5414 ▪ Use DEET-based repellents (up to www.health.state.mn.us 30%) on skin or clothing. Do not use DEET on infants under two months of age. 3/26/2018 ▪ Pre-treat clothing and gear with To obtain this information in a different format, call: permethrin-based repellents to 651-201-5414. Printed on recycled paper.

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