Fatal Case of Powassan Disease in Rhode Island Woman

The Rhode Island Department of Health has issued a warning after an elderly woman from Washington County contracted and died from Powassan virus, a rare tick-borne disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the case, highlighting the seriousness of tick-borne illnesses. While Powassan is rare, the number of cases has been increasing in recent years. Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, and weakness, and severe cases may require hospitalization. There is currently no vaccine for Powassan, and prevention measures such as repelling, checking, and removing ticks are recommended.