Experts warn of increases in tick-borne Powassan virus

In New England, we have numerous tick-borne diseases, and thankfully, most are NOT fatal. The signs and symptoms are mostly the same. We usually see Lyme, but there are 2 other types we test for as well (included on the tick panel). I also check for CRP and ESR as well because it takes approximately 4-6 weeks for antibodies to develop and show positive on the panel, but ESR/CRP will show sooner, and if the symptomology is consistent, I would err on the side of caution and treat. I would have to look at the new Red Book and Nelson's Microbial books to see what the new criteria are, but even if this particular virus comes around, I don't think it will be epidemic proportions. I agree with PVT James Strait, It has a long way to go before I worry about it.