II. Epidemiology
- Rare Encephalitis cause in Northeastern and North Central States
III. Pathophysiology
- Tickborne Illness via Woodchuck Tick or Groundhog Tick (Ixodes cookei, I. marxi or I. Scapularis)
IV. Findings
- Presentations range from asymptomatic to severe neurologic Impairment
V. Labs
- Antibody to Powassan Virus (serum, CSF)
VI. Differential Diagnosis
- See Encephalitis
VII. Management
- No known effective treatment
- Supportive care
VIII. Prognosis
- Cognitive Impairment in >50% of survivors, and 10-15% mortality
IX. Resources
- Powassan Virus (CDC)