Illinois resident sickened by tick-borne virus never before reported in the state

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — An Illinois resident has become sickened by tick-borne illness never been reported in the state before, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, who advised residents to take appropriate precautions.

According to the IDPH, the person became seriously ill with Powassan, a virus that can 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 Powassan virus can cause severe disease, including inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), and can sometimes be fatal. Symptoms of severe disease include confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, and seizures. Powassan cannot be spread human-to-human through casual contact. 

IDPH said it did not know if the resident was exposed in Illinois or in a different state, but said the source of the infection was 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 exposures 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.”