A case of Powassan virus encephalitis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Virology

Background:

• Powassan virus (POWV) is a tick-borne flavivirus that can cause severe encephalitis.
• Tick-borne illnesses pose a significant public health concern, particularly in endemic areas.
• Encephalitis requires prompt diagnosis and management to mitigate neurological damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a confirmed case of Powassan virus encephalitis in a pediatric patient.
• To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and outcomes of POWV infection.
• To emphasize the importance of early supportive care and rehabilitation in severe cases.

Main Methods:

• Clinical case reporting and retrospective analysis.
• Serological testing for Powassan virus, including neutralization antibody assays.
• Exclusion of other common viral and bacterial causes of encephalitis through comprehensive virological investigations.

Main Results:

• An 8-year-old boy presented with severe encephalitis, presumed to be caused by Powassan virus infection transmitted via tick bite.
• A 50-fold increase in Powassan virus neutralization antibody titers was observed, confirming recent infection.
• The virus was not isolated, and other virological investigations were negative, underscoring diagnostic challenges.
• Despite a severe illness course, the patient survived and received early physiotherapy and speech therapy.

Conclusions:

• This case confirms Powassan virus as a cause of severe encephalitis in children.
• Early rehabilitation interventions may improve functional outcomes in survivors of severe neuroinvasive arboviral diseases.
• Prompt recognition and supportive care are crucial for managing Powassan virus encephalitis and its potential long-term neurological sequelae.