An Illinois resident has become seriously ill with a tick-borne virus that has never been detected in Illinois before.

While the Illinois Department of Public Health hasn’t determined whether the resident was exposed to the illness in this state, they are stepping up surveillance actions for the virus known as Powassan, testing ticks for the virus statewide.

“With warm weather still prevalent, tick-borne diseases remain a potential threat here in Illinois,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra in a statement. “It’s important for everyone to guard against tick bites and the serious illnesses they can cause. We urge everyone to ‘Fight the Bite’ by reducing opportunities for exposures and repelling tick bites by wearing preventive clothing. If you have been in a wooded or grassy area where

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