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Brewer woman shares story of her husband’s death from Powassan infection
WABI • • health
Key Points:
- The Maine CDC has reported the third case of Powassan virus in the state this year, amid a national increase in this rare tick-borne illness.
- Henry Grover, a 61-year-old man from Brewer with lymphoma, died from complications of Powassan virus after a rapid decline in health and hospitalization.
- Powassan virus is transmitted through tick bites and can cause severe symptoms such as headache, fever, vomiting, and neurological inflammation, potentially leading to fatal outcomes.
- There are currently no vaccines or treatments available for Powassan virus, and research is ongoing at MaineHealth’s vector-borne disease lab.
- Dr. Patricia Jo Grover, Henry’s wife, shared her experience to raise awareness, emphasizing the devastating impact of the disease and the difficult decisions faced by families.
