Why Should Healthcare Providers Be Aware of Powassan Virus?

Holly Frost, MD, pediatrics physician scientist at the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, in Minocqua, Wisconsin, explains why it is important for healthcare practitioners to be aware of Powassan virus.

Interview Transcript (slightly modified for readability)

“Powassan virus can cause severe neurologic symptoms, including encephalitis in some patients. The majority of the patients likely present with an asymptomatic infection, or just a mild febrile illness. We don’t really know which patients are likely to develop encephalitis or neuro-invasive diseases, and so, if you live in an area that’s endemic for Lyme disease, it’s important to consider [Powassan virus] if you have a patient who is critically ill.”