WISCONSIN -- A rare, potentially deadly tick-borne disease has infected people in Wisconsin with multiple cases. And health officials say it's worse then Lyme disease. The same tick that carries Lyme can cause Powassan, otherwise known as POW. It is a virus infection that can impact the nervous system, memory, thinking and balance.

Wisconsin has had 15 cases from 2006-2015, the second highest number in the country, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Other states with reported cases are Minnesota, 20; New York 16; Massachusetts, 8; New Jersey, 3; Maine, 2; New Hampshire, 1; Pennsylvania, 1; and Virginia 1. Source: Wisconsin Department of Health These cases occur primarily in the late spring, early summer and mid-fall when ticks are most active. The CDC did not identify specific locations in Wisconsin where cases have been reported.



Neuological Damage "A fairly high proportion who get sick and go to the doctor end up with permanent neurological damage," said University of Wisconsin-Madison Entomology Professor Susan Paskewitz in an NBC report, "About half of the people who get it don't have long lasting impacts, but [there] about half who do."

POW virus disease cases are rare, but the reported number of cases have increased in recent years. All residents of and visitors to areas where POW virus activity has been identified are at risk of infection.

People who engage in outdoor work and recreational activities in endemic areas are at increased risk of infection, according to the CDC. Symptoms

Many people who become infected with Powassan virus do not develop any symptoms.

The incubation period (time from tick bite to onset of illness) ranges from about one week to one month.

POW virus can infect the central nervous system and cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).

Symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, speech difficulties and seizures.

Approximately half of survivors have permanent neurological symptoms, such as recurrent headaches, muscle wasting and memory problems.

Approximately 10 percent of POW virus encephalitis cases are fatal. Treatment

There are no vaccines or medications to treat or prevent POW virus infection.

If you think you or a family member may have POW virus disease, see your health care provider for evaluation and diagnosis.

Persons with severe POW illnesses often need to be hospitalized. Treatment may include respiratory support, intravenous fluids and medications to reduce swelling in the brain. While it is a good idea to take preventive measures against ticks year-round, be extra vigilant in warmer months — April through September — when ticks are most active.

Here are some tips to avoid infection: