Infectious Disease Advisor Illinois health officials are warning residents to be on alert after the state’s first case of Powassan virus was confirmed in a resident who became seriously ill.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) hasn’t determined whether the person was infected in Illinois, but officials are now testing ticks statewide for the virus.
“With warm weather still prevalent, tick-borne diseases remain a potential threat here in Illinois,” Dr. Sameer Vohra, IDPH director, told NBC Chicago.
“It’s important for everyone to guard against tick bites and the serious illnesses they can cause,” Vohra added. “We urge everyone to ‘Fight the Bite’ by reducing opportunities for exposures and repelling tick bites by wearing preventive clothing. If you have been in a wooded or grassy area where ticks are common and you begin to show symptoms like fever, fatigue or headache, see a health care provider immediately.”