• Serologic testing detecting the Powassan specific IgM antibody in serum or cerebrospinal fluid can be performed.
• Clinical presentation and risk of exposure are key factors taken into consideration when diagnosing.
• Certain characteristics found in cerebrospinal fluid may also assist in diagnosis, including:
  • Abnormal increase in the amount of lymphocytes and granulocytes.
  • Protein in cerebrospinal fluid may be elevated slightly with normal glucose levels
• Multiple tiny strokes may be visible throughout the parietal and temporal lobes when an MRI is performed

CDC Treatment Recommendation

• No vaccines or medications exist for prevention or treatment of Powassan virus infection.
• Medical professionals will typically treat symptoms to make the patient more comfortable.
• Severe symptoms may lead to hospitalization of an individual requiring respiratory support and medications to reduce brain swelling

Disease Pathogenesis

• Powassan virus will be transmitted to human host within 15 minutes of tick attachment.
• Research has shown that macrophages and fibroblasts are initially targeted by the virus.
• Components of the tick saliva assist in reducing the immune response, assisting in the survival and spread of the virus.
• After passing through the skin and muscular layers, the virus will enter the blood stream and spread throughout the body leading to symptoms.