A potentially deadly tick-borne virus is spreading throughout the US, reaching historic highs in case numbers. The Powassan virus, first discovered in 1958, has seen a significant increase in diagnoses, with 76 Americans diagnosed in 2025, marking the highest number ever recorded. This surpasses the former average of seven diagnoses per year. The virus is spreading more quickly than usual, worrying experts, and is primarily concentrated in the Northeast United States, Great Lakes region, and Canada.
The Powassan virus is transmitted through infected woodchuck or deer ticks and can be spread in as little as 15 minutes after a tick bite. This is significantly faster than Lyme disease, which usually requires a 36- to 48-hour attachment time for transmission. Those who contract the virus may not develop symptoms for up to four weeks after exposure, making it challenging to diagnose and treat promptly.
Initial symptoms of the Powassan virus include fever, headache, vomiting, and weakness. In severe cases, symptoms can progress to confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, and seizures. If left untreated, severe illnesses can lead to complications such as encephalitis and meningitis. The virus has no cure, making prevention and early detection crucial in mitigating its impact.
In addition to the Powassan virus, another potentially life-threatening allergy triggered by tick bites is on the rise. Alpha-gal syndrome is an immune response to a sugar type known as alpha-gal, found in meat from most mammals. The allergy can take weeks or months to develop but can cause symptoms to occur within hours of consuming meat or cheese. Approximately 450,000 Americans are thought to have developed Alpha-gal syndrome, while the allergic response remains rare in the UK.
The Alpha-gal syndrome is most commonly associated with lone star ticks, but scientists now believe other types of ticks, including the black-legged tick, can spread the allergy. This tick is also a primary spreader of Lyme disease. As tick-borne diseases continue to rise, it is essential for individuals to take preventive measures to avoid tick bites and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms occur.
