Illinois Confirms First Case of Rare Tick-Borne Powassan Virus
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 24, 2025 — Illinois health officials are warning residents to be on alert after the state’s first case of Powassan virus was confirmed in a resident who became seriously ill.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) hasn't determined whether the person was infected in Illinois, but officials are now testing ticks statewide for the virus.
“With warm weather still prevalent, tick-borne diseases remain a potential threat here in Illinois,” Dr. Sameer Vohra, IDPH director, told NBC Chicago.
“It’s important for everyone to guard against tick bites and the serious illnesses they can cause," Vohra added. "We urge everyone to ‘Fight the Bite’ by reducing opportunities for exposures and repelling tick bites by wearing preventive clothing. If you have been in a wooded or grassy area where ticks are common and you begin to show symptoms like fever, fatigue or headache, see a health care provider immediately.”
Other symptoms may include vomiting and weakness.
Powassan virus is rare but can be spread to humans through bites from infected ticks, most often the blacklegged deer tick.
In severe cases, the virus may cause brain inflammation or meningitis, leading to confusion, trouble speaking, loss of coordination or seizures.
There is no specific treatment for Powassan virus, health officials said. The best protection is prevention, which includes checking for ticks after being outdoors, wearing long sleeves and pants, and drying clothes on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks.
Sources
- NBC Chicago, Sept. 23, 2025
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
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