Deadly Tick-Borne Virus Is Now On The Rise In Minnesota

Spring is here, which brings a lot of great opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts throughout Minnesota. Of course, the warmer temperatures also bring back outdoor pests people are all too familiar with.

Mosquitoes will be everywhere before we know it, but ticks are out there now. The Minnesota Department of Health says that ticks in Minnesota, including blacklegged ticks (deer ticks) and American dog ticks (wood ticks), are most active during the spring and fall when temperatures are above freezing.

The return of ticks means the return of the threat of tick-borne diseases. Lyme disease, a potentially serious bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected deer tick, is the most common tick-borne disease in Minnesota, but there's another threat that has been on the rise, and it can pose an even bigger health risk.

Cases Of Deadly Powassan Virus Rising Into 2025

Like Lyme disease, Powassan virus is spread by the blacklegged tick (deer tick), as well as by groundhog ticks and squirrel ticks, but these latter two rarely bite humans.

However, while Lyme disease can usually be treated with antibiotics, the Powassan virus disease has no specific treatment or vaccine available, and while thankfully still rare, about 10% of people with severe Powassan virus disease die.

Furthermore, about half of survivors will experience long-term neurological problems, including memory problems, recurring headaches, and loss of muscle mass and strength.

Get our free mobile app

The first Minnesota Powassan virus case was reported in 2008, and cases have been reported every year since then, except for 2014 and 2015. However, in 2022, eight cases of Powassan virus disease were reported in Minnesota, with all but one case presenting with severe illness affecting the central nervous system.

More alarming is that the virus seems to be becoming more widespread, with 14 confirmed cases being reported in Minnesota in 2024. That's why it's crucial to be aware of Powassan virus symptoms and do your best to protect yourself and your family from tick bites.

Powassan Virus Incubation Period And Symptoms

The incubation period (time between tick bite and symptom onset) is typically 1 to 4 weeks. Initially, many people may show no symptoms or only mild symptoms, but the CDC says that once symptoms arrive, they could include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, speech difficulties, and seizures.

Severe cases of Powassan virus can lead to Powassan encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord), which can lead to neurological damage and, in some cases, death.

If you suspect you have Powassan virus symptoms, seek immediate medical attention, as early diagnosis and supportive care are crucial.

Preventing Tick Bites

The most important thing you can do is take steps to protect yourself from tick bites. A key is knowing where deer ticks are most likely to be found. The Minnesota Department of Health says that these ticks are found in wooded or brushy areas, while American dog ticks (wood ticks) are found in grassy, more open habitats and woods.

If you're going to be outside in these areas, cover exposed skin, and experts say you should be using a tick repellent.  The following guidelines will help you find one that works:

• Choose an EPA-registered product so you know it is safe and effective against tick bites.
• Products containing permethrin, used on clothing and gear, are especially recommended for people who spend a lot of time in wooded areas. However, never use permethrin on your skin.
• Standard DEET-based products are another option. Be sure to use a product containing no more than 30 percent DEET for adults. Concentrations up to 30 percent DEET are also safe for children (according to reports from the American Academy of Pediatrics). Do not use DEET for infants under two months of age.
• It's with noting that products containing DEET or permethrin will also protect you from mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases.

SEE NOW: 13 Foods People Eat In Minnesota That ‘Secretly’ Contain Insects

Check For Ticks Frequently

Minnesota health officials say you should be checking for ticks at least once a day, but ticks can spread the Powassan virus a lot faster than Lyme disease.

Important things to keep in mind:

• Ticks must remain attached for one to two days before they can transmit the Lyme disease bacteria. However, the ticks can transmit the Powassan virus in as little as 15 minutes after attachment to a person.
• Bathe or shower after coming indoors to wash off and more easily find ticks that may be crawling on or attached to you.
• Search your entire body closely, especially hard-to-see areas (behind knees, groin area, and armpits).
• Ticks may look like a speck of dirt or freckle on skin, so use a family member or a mirror to help you find them.
• If you find a tick on yourself, remove the tick as soon as possible.

SEE NOW: 11 Scary Mosquito-Borne Illnesses Minnesotans Should Know About

Safely Removing Ticks Found On Your Body

If you do find a tick on yourself or a loved one, removing it as quickly as possible is very important, as it lowers your risk of tick-borne disease transmission.

• Use a pair of tweezers or your fingers to grasp the tick by the head, close to the skin. Pull the tick outward slowly, gently, and steadily.
• Clean the area with soap and water.
• Health officials warn to avoid 'folk remedies' like Vaseline®, nail polish remover, or burning matches because they are not a safe or effective way to remove ticks.

It's worth repeating that if you suspect you have Powassan virus symptoms, seek immediate medical attention, as early diagnosis and supportive care are crucial.