Rhode Island man diagnosed with Powassan disease
A Rhode Island man has been diagnosed with the rare tick-borne Powassan virus, marking a recent case in the New England region. Health officials are urging residents to take precautions against ticks as cases continue to appear across the area.
Why it matters
Public awareness of tick-borne illnesses is essential for preventing severe health complications in regions where these diseases are emerging.
The Rhode Island Department of Health said Friday that a Providence County man was diagnosed with Powassan virus disease. The Department of Health said the man, in his 60s, was hospitalized but is now home. Powassan is a rare disease caused by ticks. The last case reported in Rhode Island was in 2024. ALSO READ: Care New England president and CEO to transition to chairman There have been nine cases of Powassan reported in Rhode Island since it was first detected in 2016. In 2025, there were 27 cases of Powassan reported in New England: 12 cases in Massachusetts, five cases in Connecticut, six cases in Maine, and four cases in New Hampshire, the Department of Health said in a release. Experts say people should take precautions against ticks, which can also cause Lyme disease.
The report is a straightforward health advisory based on official data from the Department of Health.
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