Investigation of Possible Powassan Virus Case in Massachusetts

A mother in Massachusetts has suggested that her newborn daughter may be a case of Powassan virus, sparking an investigation by health officials on Martha’s Vineyard. However, details such as the patient’s residence, age, and the timing of the infection remain undisclosed. It’s important to note that the virus has yet to be confirmed.

According to the mother, her daughter is experiencing seizures and is under intensive care, receiving antibiotics in Boston. Aside from this current situation, there has only been one confirmed case of Powassan virus on the island in the last two decades, while three additional cases have been identified elsewhere in Massachusetts this year.

Powassan is a rare yet potentially serious virus transmitted through bites from infected Ixodes scapularis ticks, commonly called deer ticks. The distinct aspect of the Powassan virus is that it can be transmitted within just 15 minutes of a tick bite, unlike many other tick-borne illnesses.

From 2004 to 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) documented 397 cases of Powassan virus nationwide, resulting in 50 fatalities—about half of which occurred in the last five years. Massachusetts ranks second, following Minnesota, in terms of total cases during that period, with 71 documented cases.

As of 2025, there have already been 24 cases reported across seven states, three of which are in Massachusetts, according to the CDC. Unfortunately, there is currently no specialized treatment, vaccine, or cure for Powassan virus disease. Severe instances can lead to severe complications, including brain swelling, encephalitis, confusion, seizures, and significant long-term neurological issues.

Dr. Sam Telford, a professor at Tufts University who has dedicated years to researching in Martha’s Vineyard, stated, “The virus is present every year in a small percentage of deer ticks; fortunately, severe disease remains very rare.” His lab has analyzed over 3,500 nymph deer ticks between 2021 and 2024. “About 1 to 2% of nymph deer ticks on Martha’s Vineyard are infected. This rate aligns with what is seen in other parts of New England, which implies that many individuals who come into contact with the virus may fend it off without realizing they were ever infected,” he added.

Tips to Prevent Tick Bites:

• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin.
• Dress smartly for ticks—tuck pants into socks, shirts into pants, and choose light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily.
• Consider wearing leggings or snug-fitting clothing to make it harder for ticks to reach the skin.
• Use a lint roller on your clothes after being outdoors to remove any unwanted ticks.
• Change clothes or take a shower soon after returning from outdoor activities.
• Put clothes in the dryer on high heat for 20 minutes to eliminate any ticks.
• Conduct full-body tick checks using a mirror.