Maine confirms tick-borne Powassan virus case: Symptoms to watch for

Maine confirmed the first case of Powassan virus this year in a midcoastal resident who was hospitalized due to the illness.

"This individual likely acquired this Powassan encephalitis infection in the state of Maine," the health advisory said. "There are two types of Powassan virus in the United States. The first type, often called lineage 1 Powassan virus is associated with Ixodes cookei or the woodchuck tick. Lineage 2 POW, sometimes called Deer tick virus, is associated with Ixodes scapularis or the deer tick."  Both types can cause human disease, although the advisory did not specify which the resident had contracted. Officials said clinicians should be aware of the potential for human arboviral disease activity in the state, and to consider testing in patients presenting with unexplained encephalitis, meningitis or high fever during the summer and fall.