Rare Tick-Borne Virus Left New Hampshire Man Critically Ill, 'Nonverbal'

CBS Boston

June 17, 2026 / 6:29 PM EDT

Friends and family of a New Hampshire man are urging people to take precautions against ticks after a rare tick-borne virus left him critically ill and in the hospital for more than a month.

John Reagan, 66, an avid outdoorsman from New Hampshire, remains hospitalized in Boston after contracting Powassan virus, according to his longtime friend and Tom Wright.

"It's crushing a lot of people. It's sad," Wright said.

John Reagan, 66, is hospitalized with Powassan virus/CBS Boston

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