Central New York Resident Diagnosed With Rare Virus From Tick Bite

A Central New York resident has tested positive for a rare tickborne virus that can cause serious illness and can be fatal. This virus can spread in as little as 15 minutes from the bite of an infected tick. There are no vaccines or medicines to prevent or treat this virus. So, what is it?

Although it’s getting cooler outside, ticks remain a threat any time temperatures are above freezing. It is important that residents continue to protect themselves against tick bites and tickborne illnesses. - Madison County Public Health Director Eric Faisst 

a tick sitting on the skin of someone's arm

Powassan virus is a rare infection spread by the bite of an infected tick. It isn’t common, but reported cases have increased in recent years. Most people have mild symptoms or none at all. If you do get symptoms, they usually start one week to one month after an infected tick bites you.

Symptoms of Powassan can range from fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, extreme weakness, Encephalitis, and Meningitis to severe symptoms such as confusion, seizures, difficulty speaking, loss of coordination.

a bug sitting on top of a green leaf

You get Powassan virus from the bite of an infected tick such as the blacklegged or deer tick, groundhog tick, or squirrel tick.

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If you do find a tick, remove it as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers. Grab the tick close to the skin and slowly pull up. =Clean the site of the bite after removal.