Outagamie County Public Health offers free tick kits. PC: Fox 11 Online
(WTAQ-WLUK) — It’s tick season in Wisconsin and health officials are warning of a rare virus spread by infected black-legged ticks.
Nationally, Powassan virus cases are most common in the northeast and Great Lakes regions, including northern Wisconsin.
According to national data from the CDC, Wisconsin has two human cases of Powassan virus — one in Bayfield County and one in Pierce County.
Symptoms can show up one week to one month after being bitten by an infected tick. Many people who become infected with Powassan virus don’t have any symptoms.
Some common early signs and symptoms are fever, headache, nausea, muscle weakness and stiff neck. Severe illness can include confusion, loss of coordination, paralysis, speech difficulty, seizures, memory loss, encephalitis and meningitis.
Powassan virus causes death in about 10% of severe cases. Half of those who survive severe disease have permanent or long-term neurologic symptoms. These can include recurring headaches, memory problems, and muscle weakness or loss.
See your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms after being outdoors, even if you don’t remember being bitten by a tick.
Ticks are commonly found in areas with woods, brush, or tall grass and are most active in Wisconsin during May through November, but they can be active anytime temperatures are above 40F.
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