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Tick Bite Leaves Healthy Outdoorsman on Life Support After He Contracts Incurable Powassan Virus
Yahoo • • health
Key Points:
- John Reagan, a recently retired 66-year-old man from New Hampshire, contracted the rare Powassan virus after a tick bite, despite taking preventive treatment for Lyme disease.
- The Powassan virus, transmitted by ticks, can cause severe neurological symptoms including brain inflammation, and currently has no cure, with treatment focusing on symptom support.
- Reagan rapidly deteriorated after initial symptoms, becoming unable to speak or move and requiring a ventilator within two weeks of symptom onset.
- His family remains uncertain where he contracted the tick bite, as he is an outdoorsman who could have been exposed during hunting, nature walks, or even in his own backyard.
- A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support Reagan and his family, highlighting the ongoing challenges he faces while fighting this devastating illness.
