Rhode Island Reports 9th Powassan Case Since 2016 After Man in His 60s Falls Ill
Updated
Updated · Turn to 10 · Jun 26
Rhode Island Reports 9th Powassan Case Since 2016 After Man in His 60s Falls Ill
3 articles · Updated · Turn to 10 · Jun 26
Summary
A Providence County man in his 60s was diagnosed with Powassan virus disease, Rhode Island health officials said Friday; he was hospitalized and has since returned home.
The tick-borne illness is rare in the state: Rhode Island said this was its first reported Powassan case since 2024 and the ninth since the virus was first detected there in 2016.
Across New England, 27 Powassan cases were reported in 2025 — including 12 in Massachusetts, six in Maine, five in Connecticut and four in New Hampshire.
Health officials urged residents to take tick precautions, noting ticks can also spread Lyme disease.