Tick Bite Leaves Healthy Outdoorsman on Life Support After He Contracts Incurable Powassan Virus
John Reagan, a 66-year-old retired pharmacist from Concord, New Hampshire, is on life support after contracting the Powassan virus. He experienced rapid neurological decline following a tick bite. The virus is spreading across the United States at a record pace.
What changed
New details identify Reagan as a retired pharmacist from Concord and report record-high national infection rates.
Live updates
-
New Hampshire Outdoorsman on Life Support Following Powassan Virus Infection
confidence 90%John Reagan, a 66-year-old retired pharmacist from Concord, New Hampshire, is on life support after contracting the Powassan virus. He experienced rapid neurological decline following a tick bite. The virus is spreading across the United States at a record pace.
What's confirmed:
- John Reagan is a 66-year-old retired pharmacist and outdoorsman from Concord, New Hampshire.
- Powassan virus is a rare tick-borne illness transmitted by woodchuck ticks and deer ticks.
- There is no vaccine for the Powassan virus.
- The virus is appearing more frequently in the northeastern United States.
Still unconfirmed:
- U.S. cases of Powassan virus reached a record 76 in 2025.
- New health data shows cases surging nearly 100% compared to previous years.
- Warmer weather may be helping the virus spread.
-
Retired New Hampshire Man Critically Ill With Rare Powassan Virus
confidence 95%John Reagan, 66, remains hospitalized in critical condition after contracting the Powassan virus from a tick bite. He is currently nonverbal and receiving care in Boston. Family and medical staff are using his case to warn others about tick precautions.
What's confirmed:
- John Reagan is 66 years old.
- Reagan is a retired outdoorsman from Concord, New Hampshire.
- The patient is currently nonverbal.
- Reagan contracted the Powassan virus from a tick bite.
- He is hospitalized in critical condition in Boston.
Still unconfirmed:
- The tick bite happened while Reagan was walking his dog.
- Reagan is on life support.
-
66-Year-Old New Hampshire Man Critically Ill With Powassan Virus
confidence 95%John Reagan, an avid outdoorsman from Concord, remains hospitalized at Mass General. A tick bite led to a rare Powassan virus infection that stripped him of his speech and mobility. He has been in the hospital for more than a month.
What's confirmed:
- John Reagan is 66 years old.
- Reagan contracted the rare Powassan tick-borne virus.
- The patient is nonverbal and has lost mobility.
- Reagan has been hospitalized for more than a month.
- Reagan is receiving treatment at Mass General.
- Reagan is from Concord, New Hampshire.
Still unconfirmed:
- Reagan was bitten by a tick while walking his dog.
- A friend stated Reagan could not speak a day after the tick bite.
-
New Hampshire Man Hospitalized with Rare Powassan Virus
confidence 80%John Reagan, a retired man from Concord, New Hampshire, is critically ill after contracting the Powassan virus from a tick bite. He has been hospitalized for weeks and is currently nonverbal. Reports indicate he is fighting for his life.
What's confirmed:
- A man from Concord, New Hampshire, was hospitalized for weeks after contracting the Powassan virus.
- The patient is critically ill.
- The illness was caused by a tick bite.
Still unconfirmed:
- John Reagan is on life support.
- The Powassan virus is incurable.
- Cases of the virus have been surging in recent years.
- The patient is a recently retired outdoorsman.
- The patient is nonverbal.