A Washington County man in his 60s has a confirmed case of Powassan virus, the Rhode Island Department of Health said Monday, the state’s third case of the rare tick-borne disease this year.
He began showing symptoms in late August.
It is the 11th Rhode Island case since the disease was first reported in the state in 2016. Though still rare, Powassan cases have been rising nationally: 76 were reported in 2025, the most ever in a single year, including 27 in New England.
Powassan typically starts with fever, headache, vomiting and weakness, and often progresses to inflammation of the brain and its surrounding membranes, which can cause confusion, seizures, difficulty speaking, muscle weakness or paralysis. Severe cases usually require hospitalization. There is no vaccine and no specific treatment, which makes avoiding tick bites the only real protection.
“Ticks are tiny. You may not be able to feel them or spot them right away,” said Director of Health Jerry Larkin. “The sooner you find and remove them, the better your chances are at preventing the serious health issues caused by illnesses like Powassan and Lyme Disease.”
The department recommends walking in the middle of trails, away from brush and tall grass; wearing long pants tucked into socks and light-colored clothing; and using repellent with 20 to 30 percent DEET. After time outdoors, shower promptly and do a full-body check, paying attention to the scalp, ears, belly button, backs of the knees and waistband, and check pets as well.
To remove a tick, grasp it with tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull straight up.
More information is at health.ri.gov/ticks.
