Powassan virus
| Powassan virus | |
|---|---|
| Virus classification | |
| (unranked): | Virus |
| Realm: | Riboviria |
| Kingdom: | Orthornavirae |
| Phylum: | Kitrinoviricota |
| Class: | Flasuviricetes |
| Order: | Amarillovirales |
| Family: | Flaviviridae |
| Genus: | Orthoflavivirus |
| Species: | Orthoflavivirus powassanense
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| Member viruses | |
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The Powassan virus (POWV) is a tickborne flavivirus found in North America and in the Russian Far East. It is named after the town of Powassan, Ontario, where it was identified in a young boy after his death. It is known to cause encephalitis, and no approved vaccine or antiviral drug exists. Prevention of tick bites is the best precaution.