John Reagan, 66, Improves After Weeks Hospitalized With Powassan Virus
Updated
Updated · WMUR Manchester · Jun 15
John Reagan, 66, Improves After Weeks Hospitalized With Powassan Virus
1 articles · Updated · WMUR Manchester · Jun 15
Summary
John Reagan, 66, showed signs of improvement after weeks in the hospital with Powassan virus, moving his fingers, toes and eyelids after doctors gave him a drug to help wake him.
A tick bite led the Concord, New Hampshire, outdoorsman to Concord Hospital, where his condition quickly worsened; by the next day he could not speak and struggled to move.
After 2 weeks, Reagan was transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital for further care. Powassan has no vaccine or specific treatment, so doctors rely on supportive care for severe cases.
Reagan's family and friends are using his case to warn about tick-borne illnesses, urging people to check themselves and pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.