Rare case of tick-borne illness identified in Massachusetts

A Massachusetts resident has been diagnosed with Powassan virus, a rare and potentially deadly tick-borne illness, public health officials announced Aug. 21, according to ABC affiliate WCVB.

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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