Maine confirms first fatal case of rare Powassan virus this year
This is the third fatal case in Maine since 2015.
For only the third time since 2015, a person in Maine has died from the Powassan virus. The Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday afternoon that an adult in Sagadahoc County developed neurological symptoms and died in hospital after being infected, likely in Maine. This is the first case of tick-borne disease identified in the state this year. Powassan cases are rare in the United States, with about 25 cases reported each year since 2015. Maine has identified 15 cases since 2015, including four in 2022. Two of the people who contracted Powassan in 2022 have died. The Powassan virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected deer tick or groundhog. Many people infected with Powassan have no symptoms; for those who develop symptoms, the time between the tick bite and discomfort can vary from a week to a month. Symptoms may include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, seizures, or memory loss. Some people may experience serious neurological problems, such as inflammation of the brain or spinal cord. About 10% of people with serious illness die. If you experience any of these symptoms after a tick bite, call a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Top StoriesFire burns Kittery Hotel, two people possibly missingPolice: Maine man walks into college bathroom, offers girl needlesCMP urges Maine drivers to be careful as electricity has a Mount impactMaine man dies more than a month after falling into fire pit
For only the third time since 2015, a person in Maine has died from the Powassan virus.
The Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday afternoon that an adult in Sagadahoc County developed neurological symptoms and died in hospital after being infected, likely in Maine.
This is the first case of tick-borne disease identified in the state this year.
Cases of Powassan are rare in the United States, with about 25 cases reported each year since 2015. Maine has identified 15 cases since 2015, including four in 2022. Two of the people who had Powassan in 2022 have died.
The Powassan virus is transmitted by the bite of a deer tick or an infected groundhog.
Many people infected with Powassan have no symptoms; for those who develop symptoms, the time between the tick bite and discomfort can vary from a week to a month. Symptoms may include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, seizures, or memory loss. Some people may experience serious neurological problems, such as inflammation of the brain or spinal cord.
About 10% of people with serious illness die. If you experience any of these symptoms after a tick bite, call a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Top stories