Mass. Is A Hotspot for This Rare Tick Virus According To CDC

Massachusetts has become one the the states seeing the most cases of a rare tick borne virus called Powassan virus. My fiancé is a nurse and she's heard some chatter about it lately, so I thought I'd look into it. A quick Google search and the CDC map of the U.S. had Massachusetts highlighted as having the most cases to date in 2026.

Powassan virus spreads through the same deer ticks that carry Lyme - but here's the scary part. While Lyme usually needs a tick attached for 16 to 24 hours before it spreads, Powassan can infect you in as little as 15 minutes. That's barely enough time to even notice the tick is on you!

We have 2 dogs and live in the woods and we are constantly tick checking!

Massachusetts has become one of the states seeing the most cases in the country. Health officials counted five Massachusetts cases as of mid June, out of just seven nationwide at that point. The map, as of this writing, shows 9 cases in Massachusetts with 1 case being in The Berkshires. -cdc.gov

Most people who get infected don't show symptoms, but severe cases can bring brain swelling, trouble speaking, seizures, and lasting nerve damage. There's no vaccine and no specific treatment, just supportive care.

The good news is Powassan is still considered rare. But with how quickly it can spread from a bite, prevention matters more than usual. Check yourself and your kids after being outside, treat clothing and gear if you're heading into the woods, and don't wait to pull off a tick if you find one attached.