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Powassan Virus Encephalitis: A Tertiary Center Experience

August 9, 2023

The Clinical Infectious Diseases Journal (Mendoza M. A., et al.) 08.04.2023, published “Powassan virus encephalitis: a tertiary center experience.” In this study, the researchers collected and analyzed clinical and epidemiological data from patients who had been diagnosed with neuroinvasive POWV infection from a study conducted at the Mayo Clinic from 2013 to 2022.

Powassan virus (POWV) is a type of flavivirus that is transmitted by Ixodes spp ticks. This virus has been recognized as an emerging pathogen that can cause neuroinvasive diseases, which affect the nervous system, and can lead to serious outcomes. The study identified sixteen patients who had been infected with neuroinvasive POWV. Within 90 days of diagnosis, three cases (18.8%) resulted in the patients’ deaths. Among the survivors, eight patients (72.7%) experienced residual neurological deficits, indicating lasting effects on their nervous systems.

The researchers emphasize that this study represents the largest case series of patients with neuroinvasive POWV infection. They highlight the importance of considering this infection in individuals living in or traveling to areas with a high risk of tick exposure, especially during the months of spring to fall when ticks are more active. The study’s findings highlight the significant negative impact on health and mortality associated with neuroinvasive POWV infection.

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Read the full article on the Oxford Academic website here.