THE POTENTIALLY DEADLY POWASSAN VIRUS HAS BEEN FOUND IN MASSACHUSETTS FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS SEASON. A CONFIRMED CASE WAS DISCOVERED IN THE TOWN OF SHARON... WHICH IS SOUTH OF BOSTON. POWASSAN VIRUS IS A RARE TICK-BORNE ILLNESS. MOST PEOPLE EXPOSED TO THE VIRUS DON'T EVEN FELL ILL... BUT IN SOME CASES INFECTED PEOPLE CAN EXPERIENCE FEVER, SEIZURES, AND INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. TO MINIMIZE YOUR RISK... HEALTH OFFICIALS RECOMMEND WEARING DEET-BASED INSECT REPELLANT... WEARING LONG- SLEEVED SHIRTS AND LONG PANTS... AND STAYING ON MARKED TRAILS WHEN HIKING AND IN WOODED A