Rare Tick-Borne Disease Confirmed in Rhode Island
PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Health announced on Friday that a Providence County man in his 60s has been diagnosed with Powassan virus disease. The man was hospitalized but has since been discharged home.
Powassan is a rare tick-borne disease. The previous case in Rhode Island occurred in 2024. Since the first detection in 2016, there have been nine cases in the state.
New England saw a significant increase in 2025, with 27 reported cases, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health:
- Massachusetts: 12 cases
- Connecticut: 5 cases
- Maine: 6 cases
- New Hampshire: 4 cases
Health officials advise taking precautions against ticks, which also transmit Lyme disease.