Surging US Cases of Deadly Tick-borne Virus Raise Alarms

WHO:

Fox News - Dr. Jorge P. Parada, a medical advisor at the National Pest Management Association in Chicago.

Fox News - Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News.

WHAT:

Fox News - The Powassan virus is a rare and potentially fatal tick-borne illness.

Fox News - In 2025, 76 Americans were diagnosed with Powassan virus, the highest annual total on record.

Fox News - The U.S. previously averaged just seven to eight diagnoses of Powassan virus each year.

Fox News - Approximately 10% of Powassan cases involving severe neurological disease are fatal.

Fox News - Initial symptoms of Powassan virus include fever, headache, vomiting, and weakness.

WHERE:

NY Post - The Powassan virus was named for the Ontario town where it was discovered.

Fox News - The virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected woodchuck tick or deer tick in the United States.

WHEN:

Fox News - Powassan virus is most prevalent from late spring through mid-fall when tick populations peak.

Fox News - The first known case of Powassan virus was traced back to 1958.

WHY:

Fox News - Public health experts warn that the virus's rapid transmission speed makes it uniquely dangerous.

Fox News - Powassan can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes after the infected tick bites, unlike Lyme disease, which usually requires a 36- to 48-hour attachment time for transmission.

HOW:

Fox News - There are currently no specific medications or vaccines to treat or prevent Powassan virus; clinical care is limited to supportive therapy, such as intravenous fluids and respiratory support.

(UPDATED June 30, 2026 11:54 UTC)

The Powassan virus, a rare and potentially fatal tick-borne illness, has seen a concerning rise in cases, with 76 Americans diagnosed in 2025, marking the highest annual total on record. Public health experts emphasize the virus's rapid transmission, which can occur in as little as 15 minutes after an infected tick bite, making it particularly dangerous compared to other tick-borne diseases. Currently, there are no specific medications or vaccines available for Powassan virus, and treatment is limited to supportive care like intravenous fluids and respiratory support.