Death is the first fatal case in 2024, one of three infections identified this year from the tickborne virus
AUGUSTA – The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) today confirmed the first fatal case of Powassan virus infection in Maine this year. The death occurred in York County. The last prior death from the tickborne virus in Maine occurred in May 2023.
The York County case was among three cases of Powassan virus infection reported in Maine residents so far this year. The other two were in Kennebec and Lincoln counties.
Cases of Powassan are rare in the United States, with about 20–50 cases reported per year across the country from 2018–2023. Maine identified a record number of seven cases of Powassan in 2023 and has recorded 25 infections of the virus since 2014, including four deaths in the last decade.
People acquire Powassan through the bite of an infected deer or woodchuck tick. Deer ticks can be active any time the temperature is above freezing, but are most active in the spring, summer, and fall. Powassan virus may spread from ticks to people in as little as 15 minutes after a bite.
Many people infected with Powassan virus do not get sick or have symptoms. For people who develop symptoms, the time from tick bite to feeling unwell can begin anytime within one month of being bitten. Symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, seizures, or memory loss. Some may experience serious neurologic problems, like brain or spinal cord inflammation. About 10 percent of people with severe disease die. People with weakened immune systems have a higher risk of developing severe symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms after a tick bite, call a health care provider as soon as possible.
Ticks live in wooded, leafy, and shrubby areas and deer ticks have been found in all 16 counties of Maine and they are currently active. The best protection against all tickborne diseases is to prevent tick bites. Following these tips can help keep you from getting sick from a tick:
- Know tick habitat and take precautions in areas where ticks may live.
- Wear light-colored clothing that covers the arms and legs; tuck pants into socks.
- Use an EPA-approved repellent like DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on skin; use permethrin on clothing.
- Check for ticks daily and after any outdoor activity. Check family members and pets too.
- Ask a veterinarian about tick bite prevention for cats and dogs.
- Remove your clothing when you get home and put it in the dryer before washing. Use high heat for 10–15 minutes to kill any crawling ticks that have not attached to you.
For more information:
- Visit Maine CDC’s Powassan virus website for more information.
- Visit University of Maine Tick Lab for more information about tick identification and testing.