tick...and Massachusetts has the third highest number of cases in the country. In fact, this week, a Maynard resident was diagnosed with the virus. Dr. Todd Ellerin is the director of infectious diseases at South Shore Health. 32:42 We haven't seen a lot of cases in the past, but over the past five years or so, especially Mass and a few other states have been seeing an increasing number of cases As of last year, there were 22 cases in the Commonwealth since the CDC began collecting data 10 years ago. High when you consider there have only been 133 cases nationwide over the last decade. 36:50 most people who acquire Powassan actually remain asymptomatic But for those who do come down with a fever or headache and develop encephalitis, the mortality rate is 10 percent. Survivors may still be left with severe neurological problems. Experts say your best defense is prevention - stay out of the woods and wear repellent?because if an infected tick latches on?you can become infected within as little as 15 minutes. 35:34 fortunately it's rare, but it is scary