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Powassan Virus Encephalitis in Pediatric Patients.
Celia Greenlaw1, Rebecca MacRae1, Molly Wilson-Murphy1
1Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Fegan 11, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Journal of Child Neurology
|April 28, 2025
Summary
Powassan virus encephalitis is an emerging tickborne illness in children, causing severe neurological issues. Increased awareness and surveillance are crucial for this rare but serious pediatric disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Powassan virus is a tickborne flavivirus causing rare human encephalitis.
- Incidence of Powassan virus infections is increasing in North America.
- Pediatric cases of Powassan virus encephalitis are infrequently reported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of pediatric Powassan virus encephalitis.
- To highlight the long-term neurologic sequelae in affected children.
- To emphasize the growing public health concern of Powassan virus in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis.
- Review of 6 pediatric cases diagnosed between 2018 and 2023.
- Clinical data collection including presentation, diagnosis, and follow-up.
Main Results:
- Six pediatric patients aged 14 months to 11 years diagnosed with Powassan virus encephalitis.
- Common presentations included fever, confusion, and seizures.
- All patients experienced lasting neurologic sequelae, including ADHD, anxiety, and movement disorders.
Conclusions:
- Powassan virus is an emerging cause of severe pediatric encephalitis with significant long-term neurologic consequences.
- This case series is the largest to date for pediatric Powassan virus encephalitis.
- Increased clinical surveillance and public awareness are recommended for this tickborne disease.
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