IL: First Case of Powassan virus confirmed

[Shiloh]

Source: https://chicago.suntimes.com/health/...ed-in-illinois

First case of rare tick-borne virus confirmed in Illinois
Health experts are still investigating the source of the Powassan virus. Residents should check for ticks after coming from outdoors, avoid wooded, bushy areas.
By Casey He
Sept 24, 2025, 2:27pm EDT

An Illinois resident became “seriously ill” after being infected with Powassan, a tick-borne illness that has never been detected in the state before, the state health department said.

Health officials are investigating whether the person caught the virus in Illinois and are testing ticks for Powassan and other infections in areas of the state where the resident had been before their illness...

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.mystateline.com/news/hea...nebago-county/

Health officials warn of Powassan virus in ticks in Winnebago County
by: Kelsy Woodall
Posted: Mar 25, 2026 / 06:10 PM CDT
Updated: Mar 25, 2026 / 06:10 PM CDT


WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Ill. (WTVO) — Health officials say Powassan virus has been detected in ticks for the first time in Winnebago County. The virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected tick.

Dr. Sandra Martell, Public Health Administrator for the Winnebago County Health Department, is urging residents to take precautions as ticks return during the spring and summer months. “At this time, we had not seen it in this area,” Martell said. “The state of Illinois have been monitoring it for because it had its first human case of Powassan in late 2025.”...