Tick-borne Powassan virus reported in Massachusetts: ‘The virus can invade the central nervous system’

A confirmed case of the tick-borne Powassan virus has been reported in the Bay State, according to officials who are warning residents to take precautions against the disease. The Sharon Health Department has confirmed the town’s first case of Powassan virus — which like Lyme disease, is transmitted through infected ticks. Although still rare, the number of reported cases of people sick from Powassan virus has jumped in recent years. “Powassan virus is closely related to West Nile virus and …