New Hampshire Man Battles Rare Powassan Virus After Tick Bite

A 66-year-old man from New Hampshire is recovering in hospital after contracting a rare tick-borne illness. John Reagan, an avid outdoorsman, fell seriously ill following a tick bite while walking his dog near the Pembroke/Concord border. His case has drawn attention to the risks of Powassan virus in the region. Reagan was bitten by a tick during a routine walk with his dog. Unlike Lyme disease, Powassan virus can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes. His condition worsened rapidly, leading to immediate hospitalisation in Boston.

Powassan virus is rare but dangerous, with only seven reported cases in 2026, mostly in the Northeast and Great Lakes areas. It can cause severe neurological damage, and there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment available.

Friends and family have launched a fundraising effort to help cover medical costs. They are also urging others to take precautions, such as using insect repellent and checking for ticks after outdoor activities. Reagan remains in hospital, where doctors report encouraging signs of improvement. The case highlights the need for awareness of tick-borne diseases, especially in high-risk regions. Precautions can reduce the chances of infection and serious health complications.