Second Powassan case of 2026 confirmed; RI health officials urge precautions to reduce tick exposure

By: Alexander Castro

Outlets: Rhode Island Current

Published: August 13, 2026

Words: 1,021

Last Updated: 4 days, 10 hours ago

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Rhode Island health officials confirmed Thursday the state’s second case of Powassan virus, a rare tickborne illness that can cause fatal encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain.

A Newport County man in his 70s tested positive for the virus after experiencing symptoms in late July, the Rhode Island Department of Health confirmed. State health officials did not divulge his current condition or whether the man was hospitalized.

The man is the Ocean State’s 10th documented …

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