Definition of Powassan virus
: a flavivirus (species Powassan virus of the genus Flavivirus) that is spread to humans by the bite of an ixodid tick (especially the deer tick) and causes an illness marked by fever, headache, weakness, and sometimes encephalitis or meningitis
- Ticks in the Northeast and around the Great Lakes are carrying the Powassan virus, which can cause encephalitis and meningitis, leaving about half of survivors with permanent neurological symptoms.
- —Charlotte Alter
- But ticks here have been known to spread two other illnesses in sizable numbers: anaplasmosis and babesiosis, as well as another very rare, but severe, tick-borne illness, Powassan virus.
- —Matt Rocheleau
