On Oct. 5, 2026, Madison County Public Health announced that a resident had tested positive for Powassan virus. This tickborne disease is rare but can cause serious illness and can be fatal. This virus spreads from the bite of an infected tick, primarily a blacklegged (deer) tick. Quick tick removal is important as this disease can spread in as little as 15 minutes. There are no vaccines or medicines to prevent or treat Powassan. The resident is currently recovering at home.

Many people with Powassan virus do not have symptoms. However, for those who do, symptoms of Powassan virus usually start 1-4 weeks after an infected tick bite.

Powassan virus can cause severe illness, including brain swelling (encephalitis) or swelling of the
tissues around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).