Powassan virus can cause encephalitis, or brain swelling, and meningitis, or inflammation in the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, both of which can be life-threatening.
Though rare, cases of Powassan virus have increased in recent years. Massachusetts reported one case in 2013 but six cases in 2018, for a total of 22 cases between 2009 and 2018, according to the CDC. Nationwide, there were 6 cases in 2009 and 33 in 2017.
Powassan virus has no known treatment. About one in 10 people who contract the disease die.
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