All articles tagged with #meningoencephalitis
A 60-year-old Washington County man has Powassan virus, a rare tick-borne disease, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health. It’s the third Powassan case in Rhode Island this year and the eleventh since 2016; symptoms appeared in August. The CDC notes deer ticks can spread the virus, and there is no vaccine or specific treatment, so RIDOH urges tick-avoidance measures and prompt tick removal to reduce risk.
Rhode Island health officials announced a Newport County man in his 70s has Powassan virus disease, marking the state’s second case in 2026 and tenth overall. Powassan is a rare tick-borne illness whose initial symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, and weakness and can progress to meningoencephalitis. There is no vaccine or targeted treatment. To reduce risk, residents should avoid wooded or tall-grass areas, wear long sleeves and pants, use EPA-approved DEET, and perform tick checks with prompt removal.