SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — An Illinois resident has been infected with a tick-borne illness never before reported in the state, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which is urging residents to take precautions.
Health officials said the person became seriously ill with Powassan, a virus spread through tick bites.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), initial symptoms of Powassan can include fever, headache, vomiting, and weakness. The virus can lead to severe disease, including inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), and can sometimes be fatal. Severe symptoms may include confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, and seizures. Powassan is not spread from person to person through casual contact.
IDPH said it is unclear whether the individual was exposed in Illinois or another state and that the source of the infection remains under investigation.
“With warm weather still prevalent, tick-borne diseases remain a potential threat here in Illinois,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “It’s important for everyone to guard against tick bites and the serious illnesses they can cause. We urge everyone to ‘Fight the Bite’ by reducing opportunities for exposure and repelling tick bites by wearing preventive clothing. If you have been in a wooded or grassy area where ticks are common and you begin to show symptoms like fever, fatigue, or headache, see a health care provider immediately.”
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