Powassan encephalitis
Powassan Encephalitis
Powassan encephalitis (pronounced: pow-uh-san en-sef-uh-lahy-tis) is a type of infectious disease caused by the Powassan (POW) virus. The POW virus is a Flavivirus that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick.
Etymology
The disease is named after the town of Powassan, Ontario, where it was first identified in a young boy who eventually died from the infection in 1958.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Powassan encephalitis can range from mild to severe and may include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, seizures, and memory loss. In severe cases, the disease can cause meningitis and encephalitis, leading to long-term neurological problems and even death.
Diagnosis
Powassan encephalitis is diagnosed through a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory testing. Laboratory tests typically involve checking for antibodies to the POW virus in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for Powassan encephalitis. Care is supportive, often involving hospitalization, respiratory support, and intravenous fluids.
Prevention
Prevention of Powassan encephalitis primarily involves avoiding tick bites through the use of repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants, and performing regular tick checks after being in wooded or bushy areas.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Powassan encephalitis
- Wikipedia's article - Powassan encephalitis
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