Diagnose Powassan Disease

Powassan virus is a rare tick-borne virus that can be transmitted from the bite of an infected tick. The virus causes swelling of the brain and spine. You are at risk if you spend time outdoors in at-risk areas. If you believe you have Powassan virus, go to the doctor for lab tests.

Steps

Diagnosing and Treating Powassan Disease

  1. Determine if you have been bitten by a tick. Powassan virus is transmitted via a bite from an infected tick. It may take one week to one month for the virus to fully incubate and become an illness. Figure out if you have had a tick bite within the last couple of months. This means you may be at risk.[1]
    • If you find a tick connected to you, you know you have been bitten. If you don't find a tick, you may determine you have a tick bite if you have been in a high risk area and find a red welt-like bite. The bite may be oval in shape with a scab. The bite may itch.[2]
  2. Identify the symptoms. Some people who get the Powassan virus do not develop any symptoms. If you do develop symptoms, they generally are neurological since the Powassan virus affects the central nervous system. You may experience confusion, coordination problems, weakness, speech problems, loss of memory, or seizures. In some severe cases, people can develop inflammation in the brain.[3]
    • You may also develop a fever and headaches. Some people may vomit.
    • You may experience muscle or joint aches, including a stiff neck.
  3. Go to the doctor. If you believe you may be infected with Powassan virus, you should go to the doctor. The doctor will perform an exam, during which they will look for symptoms consistent with Powassan virus. They will also ask you about your outdoor activities and whether you have been bitten by a tick.[4]
    • If you are from an area where Powassan virus is not a problem, you need to tell them you were in an area where you may have been exposed. You should also include the dates of travel.
  4. Have your blood and spinal fluid tested. If the doctor believes you have Powassan virus, they will do a lab test to confirm. First, they will take a blood sample. Then, they will take a sample of your cerebrospinal fluid. Using both of these sample, they will look for specific antibodies that occur if Powassan virus is present.[3]
    • You may have to wait up to two weeks for your test results.[4]
  5. Treat the virus with supportive care. There is no cure for Powassan virus. The treatment given is supportive care that aims to help with symptoms. Supportive care includes respiratory support, IV fluids, and medication to target brain swelling. If you have severe symptoms, you will be hospitalized.[5]
    • Around 10 to 15 percent of cases of Powassan virus with encephalitis are fatal. Around half of the survivors will suffer from neurological problems and complications.[3]

Preventing Powassan Disease

  1. Be alert if you spend time outdoors in northern areas of the US. You are at the greatest risk for Powassan virus if you are bitten by a tick while in the northeastern or Great Lakes areas of the United States. This is where most cases have occurred. You are at a higher risk if you spend time in wooded or brushy areas.[6]
    • Ticks are most active in these areas in spring, summer, and fall.
  2. Cover yourself when outside in brushy areas. Try to wear clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible when you are outside. You can wear long sleeves, long pants, socks, and boots.[7]
    • Some types of clothing may not be feasible depending on the climate or activity. Attempt to cover up as much of your skin as possible.
  3. Use insect repellent. Use a safe tick repellent when you know you are going to be outdoors in brushy or wooded areas. Tick repellents that contain 20 percent or more DEET are recommended. Put the repellent on your skin and your clothing.[8]
  4. Bathe after being outdoors. When you come in from being in areas that may contain ticks, take a bath or shower within two hours. This helps get rid of ticks crawling on you.[9]
    • Before you get in the shower, check your entire body for ticks. Use a hand mirror for hard to see places.

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://publichealth.yale.edu/news/archive/article.aspx?id=9147
  2. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/tick-bites-topic-overview
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 http://labs.russell.wisc.edu/wisconsin-ticks/powassan-virus/
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 https://www.cdc.gov/powassan/diagnostic-testing.html
  5. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/powassan/symptoms.html
  6. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/powassan/faqs.html
  7. ↑ http://www.odh.ohio.gov/pdf/idcm/powa.pdf
  8. ↑ http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/powassan/basics.html
  9. ↑ http://www.health.pa.gov/My%20Health/Diseases%20and%20Conditions/M-P/Pages/Powassan.aspx#.WSbwy2jyu00

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