In the United States, the deadly Powassan virus is spreading. Cases of Powassan virus infection are increasingly being reported in the U.S., which is transmitted through tick bites and can lead to death in severe cases, according to The Washington Post. Its speed is particularly alarming: while it takes a tick several hours to transmit Lyme disease, Powassan only needs 15 minutes on human skin. Most infected individuals show no symptoms at all, while others experience the illness starting like a common flu, but sometimes the virus reaches the brain, causing confusion, loss of coordination, and even paralysis. There are currently no medications or vaccines for this ailment, and among patients with severe symptoms, the mortality rate reaches 15%. In 2015, only 7 cases were registered in the U.S., but by 2025, there were already 76. Doctors attribute the rise in infections to warming temperatures, which have extended the tick activity period. To protect themselves, experts recommend not leaving any exposed skin in the woods, treating clothing with special agents, and thoroughly checking oneself after each walk.