New Hampshire Man in Critical Condition from Tick-Borne Virus

A 66-year-old man from New Hampshire is critically ill due to a serious tick-borne virus. John Reagan, after being bitten while out walking his dog, is now unable to speak, according to those close to him.

Following his hospitalization in Boston, his health declined rapidly. Tom Wright, a long-time friend, shared, “When he first arrived at the emergency room, he was sitting up and talking to me, alongside his wife. But by the next day, things had changed completely—he was nonverbal, and his body wasn’t responding as it should.”

Tests confirmed that Reagan is infected with the Powassan virus. “Most people I’ve spoken with didn’t even know what it was,” Wright noted.

While Powassan is less frequent than tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, its impact can be severe—and cases are on the rise. The CDC reports that emergency visits for tick bites increased by over 25% nationwide in April compared to the previous year.

Last year, there were seven reported cases of Powassan, with a spike to a record 39 cases in 2019. Reagan’s friends are currently working to raise funds to help with his recovery and to increase awareness about the dangers posed by Powassan.

In a slight bit of encouraging news, Reagan reportedly opened his eyes recently and is now able to breathe without assistance.

Understanding Powassan Virus and Its Risks

Powassan is a virus that can lead to infections of the brain and surrounding areas. It typically spreads when an infected tick bites a person. Those spending time in brushy or wooded regions, or who enjoy outdoor activities, are at greater risk of exposure.

What’s alarming about Powassan is how quickly it can be transmitted—unlike Lyme disease, which requires a tick to be attached for 36 to 48 hours before transmission, Powassan can be spread in just 15 minutes.

Symptoms of Powassan Virus

Some individuals infected with Powassan may not show any symptoms at all. When they do appear, they can resemble flu symptoms like fever, headaches, or nausea. These symptoms might arise anywhere from a week to a month after being bitten. In severe cases, symptoms can escalate, leading to confusion, seizures, difficulty with coordination, and inflammation of the brain or spinal cord.

Diagnosis typically involves clinical symptoms and tests on blood or cerebrospinal fluid that can detect antibodies to the virus.

Severity and Treatment of Powassan Virus

There’s currently no cure for Powassan, nor is there a vaccine available. Most cases are treated with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers, which may last up to a month. More severe situations, like Reagan’s, often necessitate hospitalization for breathing support and managing brain swelling.

According to the CDC, about 10% of individuals with severe Powassan infections may die, and 60% may face permanent disabilities. Survivors could experience long-term issues such as chronic headaches, memory problems, or muscle weakness.

Although anyone can suffer severe complications from the Powassan virus, older adults, children, and those with compromised immune systems are particularly at risk.

Health experts have indicated that climate change may be contributing to the spread of Powassan and similar diseases, as warmer winters and earlier springs create better environments for ticks.

Most Powassan cases reported in the U.S. have been concentrated in the Northeastern region, extending from Maine to Virginia and westward to Minnesota. The virus was first identified in Powassan, Ontario, in 1958, which is how it got its name.

The peak season for tick activity generally begins in March, hitting a high point in May and June, with a smaller resurgence in the fall.

The best way to guard against tick-borne diseases is to apply insect repellent, wear appropriate clothing when in tick-heavy areas, and regularly check yourself and pets for ticks. According to the CDC, the only effective prevention methods for Powassan and Lyme disease involve minimizing tick exposure through repellent that contains at least 20% DEET and treating clothing with permethrin.