Illinois Confirms First Case of Rare Tick-Borne Powassan Virus

small dangerous insects ticks caught in a test tube for research in the laboratory to detect the disease

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois has confirmed its first Powassan virus case in a resident who became seriously ill

  • The virus, spread by ticks, can cause brain swelling or meningitis in severe cases

  • There is no specific treatment. Prevention and tick checks remain the best defense, experts say.

Originally published on healthday.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.