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Little-known tick bite disease leaves man hospitalized and nonverbal
New York Post • • health
Key Points:
- John Reagan, a 66-year-old man from New Hampshire, is in critical condition and nonverbal after contracting the Powassan virus from a tick bite while walking his dog; he was hospitalized in Boston where his condition rapidly worsened.
- Powassan virus, a rare but serious tick-borne illness, can cause brain and spinal cord infections and spreads much faster than Lyme disease, transmitting within 15 minutes of a tick bite.
- Symptoms range from flu-like signs to severe neurological issues such as seizures and confusion, with about 10% of severe cases resulting in death and 60% causing permanent disability; there is no cure or vaccine, only supportive treatment.
- Cases of Powassan virus are increasing, particularly in the Northeastern US and Great Lakes region, with climate change contributing to the spread by creating favorable conditions for ticks.
- Friends and family of Reagan are fundraising to support his recovery and raise awareness, while experts emphasize prevention through insect repellent, protective clothing, and thorough tick checks.
