New Hampshire man hospitalized for weeks after contracting tick-borne illness
By Kendra Broddus
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BOW, N.H. (WMUR) — A Concord man has become seriously ill after contracting a tick-borne illness.
John Reagan, 66, is an avid outdoorsman, but a tick bite has put him in the hospital with Powassan virus for the past few weeks.
Reagan’s friend, Tom Wright, said Reagan felt worn down the day he went to Concord Hospital for the tick bite. The next day, he couldn’t speak and had a hard time moving.
After two weeks, he was moved to Massachusetts General Hospital and has needed a ventilator to help him breathe.
“I talked to his wife this morning,” Wright said. “He was moving his fingers and moving his toes, and even his eyelids were moving. So, they have given him a drug to help him wake up and come out of this.”
According to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, three to four people are diagnosed with Powassan virus each year.
There are no vaccines to prevent Powassan virus or medications to treat it. The virus can cause symptoms ranging from fever, headache and fatigue to confusion, seizures and paralysis.
Doctors provide supportive care for those suffering from serious symptoms.
Reagan’s family and friends said they’re working hard to get the word out about Powassan virus and other tick-borne illnesses. They urged people to be vigilant when headed outdoors and always check themselves and pets for ticks.
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