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Tickborne Powassan virus infections among Wisconsin residents

Diep K Hoang Johnson1, J Erin Staples, Mark J Sotir

  • 1Bureau of Communicable Diseases and Emergency Response, Wisconsin Division of Public Health, Madison, WI 53701-2659, USA. diep.hoangjohnson@wi.gov

WMJ : Official Publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin
|May 7, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Three Wisconsin residents were diagnosed with Powassan virus (POWV) infection, a rare tickborne illness. Early screening misidentified POWV, highlighting the need for confirmatory testing to prevent severe outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Powassan virus (POWV) is a tickborne Flavivirus causing rare, potentially fatal illnesses.
  • The first human POWV case in Wisconsin was reported in 2003, with two additional cases detected through enhanced surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the first diagnosed human Powassan virus infections in Wisconsin.
  • To emphasize the importance of confirmatory testing for arboviral infections and public education on prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Patient specimens with arboviral IgM antibodies were tested by the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene and CDC.
  • Laboratory-confirmed POWV cases were interviewed for demographic, clinical, and epidemiological data.

Main Results:

  • Three adult Wisconsin residents were confirmed with POWV infections in 2003, 2006, and 2007, with symptom onset in May-June.
  • Two patients were hospitalized but all survived; one had a co-infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
  • Initial screening suggested other arboviruses, but CDC confirmatory testing identified POWV; all patients had potential tick exposure.

Conclusions:

  • These represent the first documented human POWV infections in Wisconsin.
  • Routine confirmatory testing is crucial for accurate arboviral diagnosis, as initial screening can be misleading.
  • Wisconsin residents need education on POWV risks and prevention strategies for tickborne diseases.

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