Experts are alerting the public to the dangers of the Powassan virus, a tick-borne illness that can cause severe neurological damage, including brain inflammation, seizures, and paralysis. The virus is particularly concerning as the United States is experiencing its most severe tick season in ten years, with cases of Powassan virus and other tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease on the rise.
Powassan virus is transmitted by infected ticks and can infect humans within approximately 15 minutes of a bite, a significantly faster transmission rate compared to Lyme disease, which takes 24 to 36 hours. Currently, there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment for Powassan virus; care focuses on managing symptoms. Approximately half of symptomatic patients are left with permanent neurological damage, and up to 20% of those infected die from the disease.
Recent attention has been drawn to the case of John Reagan, a 66-year-old retired pharmacist from New Hampshire, who was recently hospitalized with the virus. Four months into his retirement, Reagan reported feeling unwell days after a tick bite. His condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to speech difficulties and limb immobility. His wife, Sharon Reagan, emphasized the need for public awareness and vigilance in checking for and removing ticks.
Annually, the U.S. typically reports between 20 and 50 cases of Powassan virus. However, this number has been surpassed in the last two years, with 76 cases detected in 2025, primarily in the Northeast. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that tick season is underway and that tick bites can lead to serious illness.
Symptoms of Powassan virus infection typically appear one to five weeks after a bite. Early signs can mimic a flu-like illness, including fever, headache, and vomiting. In advanced stages, the virus can attack the brain, causing encephalitis (brain swelling) and altered mental states. A 2023 study indicated that 44% of infected patients experienced paralysis, and 33% suffered cognitive deficits.
Reagan was hospitalized for two weeks and required a ventilator and feeding tube. He has since been transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital for further treatment and rehabilitation. His wife confirmed that ticks were found on him before he became ill, though the source of the bite remains unclear.
This year's tick season has seen a significant increase in emergency department visits for tick bites. In June, the rate of emergency department visits for tick bites reached its highest point since 2017, with all regions except the South Central U.S. reporting higher rates than a decade ago. Dr. Alison Hinckley, a CDC epidemiologist, advised seeking prompt medical care if a rash or fever develops after a tick bite or after being in tick-prone areas.
Public health officials recommend several preventative measures to avoid tick bites. These include avoiding wooded areas with high grass and leaf litter, wearing clothing treated with insect repellent like Permethrin, and applying EPA-approved repellents to exposed skin. After outdoor activities, people should check clothing and their bodies for ticks, and tumble dry clothes on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any remaining ticks. Showering within two hours of returning indoors can also help wash off ticks.
If a tick is found attached to the skin, health officials advise removing it as quickly as possible using fine-tipped tweezers. The tick should be grasped as close to the skin's surface as possible and pulled upward with steady pressure, taking care not to break off the mouthparts. After removal, the bite area should be cleaned with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Monitoring for symptoms such as rash, fever, or muscle pain and contacting a healthcare provider if they emerge is also recommended.