Overview
- John Reagan, 66, was treated first at Concord Hospital and was moved to Massachusetts General Hospital after rapid neurologic decline; he required ventilator support and clinicians have given medication to try to stimulate recovery, with friends reporting limited purposeful movement and recent signs of waking.
- Powassan virus is rare but can cause severe brain infection (encephalitis) with roughly a 10% death rate among severe cases and lasting neurologic problems in about half of survivors.
- Health officials say Powassan can be transmitted far faster than Lyme disease — in about 15 minutes of tick attachment — which reduces the protective value of routine tick checks and raises the need for repellents and treated clothing.
- The CDC lists seven confirmed U.S. cases this year with a local cluster in Massachusetts, while New Hampshire health officials estimate three to four Powassan diagnoses in the state each year.
- There is no vaccine or antiviral therapy, care is supportive only, and Reagan’s family and friends are raising awareness and urging people to use DEET or permethrin, wear protective clothing, and check people and pets after outdoor activity.