Illinois resident sickened by tick-borne virus never before reported in the state

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — An Illinois resident has become sickened by tick-borne illness never been reported in the state before, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, who advised residents to take appropriate precautions.

According to the IDPH, the person became seriously ill with Powassan, a virus that can spread through tick bites.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), initial symptoms of Powassan can include fever, headache, vomiting, and weakness. The Powassan virus can cause severe disease, including inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), and can sometimes be fatal. Symptoms of severe disease include confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, and seizures. Pow