Two cases of Powassan encephalitis have been identified in Maine.
According to the state Center for Disease Control, two adults from the midcoast were hospitalized in late April with the virus, but have since been discharged.
Powassan is transmitted through woodchuck and deer ticks. Signs and symptoms begin one week to one month after the tick bite and can include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, seizures and memory loss. Long-term neurologic problems may occur.
The Maine Medical Research Institute in Scarborough recently released a report that found Powassan is readily present in the southern part of the state, stretching from from Mount Desert Island to York County.
To reduce exposure to ticks, the CDC recommends using bug repellent, wearing long pants and sleeves, and performing daily tick checks.
This story was originally published on May 31, 2017 at 2:45 p.m. ET.
