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NH man hospitalized for weeks after contracting tick-borne illness
WMUR • • health
Key Points:
- John Reagan, a 66-year-old outdoorsman from Concord, has been hospitalized with severe symptoms of Powassan virus after a tick bite, requiring ventilator support.
- Reagan's condition deteriorated rapidly, with initial symptoms of fatigue progressing to loss of speech and mobility, leading to his transfer to Massachusetts General Hospital.
- Powassan virus is rare, with only three to four cases reported annually in New Hampshire, and currently has no vaccine or specific treatment, with care focused on managing symptoms.
- The virus can cause a range of symptoms from mild fever and fatigue to severe neurological issues such as confusion, seizures, and paralysis.
- Reagan’s family and friends are raising awareness about Powassan virus and other tick-borne diseases, urging the public to take precautions when outdoors and regularly check for ticks on themselves and pets.
